Facing financial hardship? EPB offers programs to help qualified customers pay their electric, internet, TV and phone bills This guide covers how to apply for utility payment assistance if you live in the EPB service area.
EPB Bill Payment Assistance Programs
EPB partners with local organizations to provide the following financial assistance for bills:
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Project Assist – Offers one-time grants up to $300 for electric bills. Funded by customer donations.
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LIHEAP – Provides federal heating and cooling bill aid Income eligibility required.
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THDA – Helps with electric, phone and internet bills for tenants.
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ERC – Emergency aid for utility bills through social service agencies.
If you’re struggling to keep up with utility payments, these programs can ease the burden. Aid may cover part or all of your outstanding EPB bill.
Who Qualifies for EPB Bill Help?
While eligibility varies, payment assistance programs generally assist those who:
- Have a total household income below 150% of federal poverty level
- Are unemployed or facing financial crisis
- Have a past due balance or received a disconnection notice
- Include children, elderly or disabled household members
Aid is not guaranteed. Applicants must meet income and other guidelines. But it’s worth exploring if you need temporary utility bill relief.
How to Apply for EPB Payment Assistance
If you believe you may qualify for EPB bill help, here’s how to get started:
Step 1: Call EPB
Contact EPB at (423) 648-1372 to explain your situation and see what programs you may be eligible for.
Step 2: Gather Documentation
Have handy your EPB account number, ID, income verification and other required paperwork.
Step 3: Complete Applications
Fill out applications for assistance programs you qualify for. An EPB agent can help with forms.
Step 4: Submit and Wait
Turn in applications and give time for review. You’ll be notified if approved for any financial aid.
With some persistence, available bill help can ease the strain. EPB wants to keep you connected during tough times.
Payment Arrangements with EPB
If you don’t qualify for full bill assistance, another option is setting up a payment plan tailored to what you can afford.
EPB lets you make partial payments over time to gradually pay off a past due balance. Interest and late fees may still apply.
To set up a payment arrangement, call EPB at (423) 648-1372. Explain your situation and work with them to create a realistic payment schedule you can manage.
Avoid EPB Disconnection with Aid
Falling behind on utilities can eventually lead to service disconnection. This leaves you without power, internet, TV or phone.
Applying for assistance can help avoid shut off. Even if aid doesn’t cover the full balance, it will lower what you owe. Any help makes bills more manageable.
If you receive a disconnection notice, immediately call EPB to apply for help. Financial aid and payment plans can keep your utilities on.
Other Ways to Lower EPB Bills
Along with payment assistance, a few other tips to reduce EPB bills include:
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Conserve energy – Use less electricity and lower power bills.
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Enroll in budget billing – Get predictable bills to better plan spending.
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Downgrade services – Cut costs by adjusting internet speed, TV packages, etc.
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Seek weatherization grants – Improve home efficiency to use less energy.
Every dollar saved makes meeting utility costs a bit easier.
Get Back on Track with EPB Aid
Covering monthly bills is tough when money is tight. But you don’t have to struggle alone. EPB payment assistance programs throw a lifeline to customers in need.
If you’re having trouble keeping utilities on due to financial hardship, call EPB at (423) 648-1372 to learn about available bill help. With some assistance, you can get back on track with utility payments.