January can be a tough time financially for many people, and not just because the Christmas shopping credit card bills are starting to arrive in the mail. Many financial obligations hit the new year reset button (and some increase)—health insurance deductibles, school tuition, assorted taxes. And changes in weather can increase energy usage, adding a seasonal expense at a really challenging time. So what can you do?
Feeling the Squeeze
Florida weather keeps our utility meters humming year-round—the A/C draw in the summer plus the heating needs in the winter mean little relief in billing. But it’s not a bill that can be put off if it’s hard to manage. If your climate control system runs on electric, you can’t risk having all your electric shut off for non-payment. And if your heat uses gas, chances are you’ve got another appliance that also uses the same fuel. A number of organizations, including municipalities, recognize how important these utilities are. Help is available if you can’t make payments.
U.S. Department of Health & Human Services LIHEAP
The government’s Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program is an emergency resource to help get a family in need back on track with utility payments. Find out eligibility and contact information for Florida residents.
Catholic Charities
In our area, Catholic Charities offers emergency assistance for a number of needs, which include families in danger of having utilities shut off for non-payment. Learn more at the Jacksonville Catholic Charities website.
Local churches, houses of worship, and faith-based charities
Many other local churches and faith-based organizations are equipped to assist those in financial need or to connect individuals and families with resourced organizations.
Other charities and social organizations
Well known support agencies and social organizations such as the American Red Cross, the Salvation Army, and the United Way are places to turn to for assistance with utilities and household expenses. If they do not directly service the need, they can point you in the right direction.
Seeing the Need
Whether or not you’ve struggled with utility payments, you may wonder how you can help someone else in need. These are some ways you can make a difference:
- Point folks in the right direct, including the organizations listed above.
- Give a little extra in your utility bill to help those who struggle to pay. Many utilities, like JEA, offer ways to add on to your monthly bill to benefit others.
- Donate to non-profit organizations that help people meet housing and utility needs. Not sure where to donate? Give to local organizations that you or people you know are familiar with, or check out sites like Charity Watch or Charity Navigator to make sure an organization operates and gives responsibly.
Planning Ahead
When utilities get tough to pay, it is often unexpected, and due to loss of income, increased expenses, or just the unpredictability of life. You can help provide yourself a cushion with some advanced planning:
- Set aside an extra $5, $10, or $20 per paycheck in an envelope for emergencies.
- Even better, deposit that saved money into an interest-earning account so that it grows while it waits for a “rainy day.”
- Make use of your utility company’s budget plan so that there are no billing surprises. Learn about JEA’s MyBudget
No matter which side of a utility payment crisis you find yourself on, there are options to meet the need. Together we can stay cool in summer, keep warm in winter, and reduce the financial burdens of climate comfort.
