Utility Bill in Collections by: Debtcollectionanswers.com.
Your question is confusing, but I will do my best to answer it. If you want to get utility service in your name now and at some point in the past you had service in your name and that account is in collections, you will need to clear up the past due bill. It's highly doubtful that the utility will give you new service until you do.
If you cannot pay the full amount of the debt that is in collections in a lump sum, ask the collector if you can pay off the debt over time in a series of payments. Of course, if you need utility service in your own name right away, a payment plan may not be the solution to your problem. Another possible option may be to settle your past due bill. Settling a debt involves paying the debt in full for less than its total amount. Usually however, you must pay the settlement amount in full right away. Settlement is something you should explore with the collection agency. If you are able to negotiate a payment plan or a settlement agreement with the collector, get all terms in writing before you pay anything on it.
You may also want to explore whether you are eligible for assistance from the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program although I don't know if the program will help people pay accounts that are in collections. Your local government should be able to tell you how to apply for this assistance and about any other possible sources of assistance. Also, is it possible that you can borrow the money you need to pay the collection account from a friend or family member?
I am afraid that I do not have an easy solution to your problem given that your former utility account is in collections. You would have had more options if you had contacted the utility back when you had the account and were having problems paying the balance due.
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