If you are a customer of Westar Energy and are facing a financial hardship or emergency, the company may be able to provide you with assistance. The company offers families different ways to pay for heating and utility bills. Below are details on payment plans for utilities, programs for disconnecting utilities, and government grants to pay for utilities. The Missouri Economic Assistance and Review Commission provides benefits to Missouri residents who have lost their jobs or are experiencing difficult economic conditions.
Westar Energy offers assistance with budgeting and conserving energy, in addition to payment plans or direct financial aid. There are many ways to save money, and these can help people do so. If you are in need of assistance, there are resources and government benefits that can help you.
The Average Payment Plan can help customers budget, regardless of income. Your monthly energy payment will be based on your average energy use from the last 12 months. This means that the amount you are charged will be changed and that Westar will do this by correcting your account. As long as you are up to date on your payments, anyone is eligible for the average payment plan. This means that anyone can come in and shop, regardless of how much money they have.
If families in Missouri are struggling to make payments, they can explore extension or arrangements. This will generally be offered as a 12 month plan. If your account is behind by no more than 30 days, you may be able to bring it current. A deposit will be required to begin this agreement. This gives you time to get back on your feet and pay your outstanding utility bills.
This means that the arrangement will be set in stone and cannot be changed after the first payment is made. This means that in the future, you will need to pay 1/12 of the account balance to Westar Energy each month, in addition to the amount of your current monthly bill. If you violate the terms of the agreement, your service may be terminated.
Project DESERVE may provide direct financial assistance. Westar Energy offers a program to help customers with their heating and natural gas costs.
Non-profit agencies help the company by providing services to people who are struggling, such as the poor, seniors, or unemployed. The Project DESERVE Trust Fund, employees, customers and matching grants from the Westar Energy Foundation pays for this program.
Emergency assistance may be offered as part of DESERVE for older adults (people 60 years or older) and/or customers with a severe disability. This assistance can help with things like food, housing, and medical care. – This means that children or adults who meet the criteria for Social Security disability benefits are included. If you live in Missouri and your household income is low, you may be able to get help with your energy bills. Once a year, you can get a payment of up to $100 to help pay your energy bill. The company also works with the American Red Cross to help those in need based on their household income and other factors. To get more information about this program or to sign up for it, contact Westar Energy at (800) 383-1183, or dial the United Way referral service in Missouri at 211.
The weather conditions in Missouri and Kansas from November 1 to March 31 are cold. This is offered for customers who can’t pay their heating bill during the cold winter months. This is a program that helps people pay their heating bills during the winter. The state has a rule that utility companies cannot disconnect service if the local National Weather Service forecasts that the temperature will be below freezing in the next 48 hours. This will help make sure customers have heat.
There are certain conditions that must be met. You need to provide information to Westar Energy so they can make a payment agreement, and you need to tell them you can’t pay your utility bill in full. This program can also help certain customers reconnect their power.
If a customer’s account is in danger of being shut off, the customer must pay 1/12 of the total account balance and any outstanding energy charges. They will also need to pay the full amount of any required fees to disconnect or reconnect their service, including any deposits required. The unpaid balance will need to be repaid over time.
Applying for assistance
To get more information on any of these options, call Westar Energy at 1-800-383-1183. There are a number of government grants available for low income customers. To learn more about these programs, you can contact your state or local government office, or look for information online.