Layoffs leave utilities holding the bills for unpaid accounts – Wichita Business Journal:

Normally, it’s a good scenario for utility But in the face of recession and mountinglocal layoffs, thosd companies say more customers are having trouble paying their “I don’t think we’ve seen the full impact says David Austin, manager of credit and collectionsw for Austin estimates the amount of unpaie Westar bills through the first quarte r of 2009 is $2 million higher than this time last up to $11 million. Erin La Row, Westar says there is little utility companies can do besidees work with customers in hopes of recoupinyg their losses downthe road. “It is just something we have to live with andadapt to,” she says.
“If we can help the customer stretch out the payment and keepservice on, it is a win-winm situation.” But before they can begin salvagin their losses, utilities will likely have to deal with more peoplwe getting behind on their payments. One of the primar resources for people in need of help with theidr utilities isthe Laid-Off Workers Center. Spacwe for the facility, which openec June 1, has been donatedd by in the West Rivefr Plazaoffice complex, 2622 W. Wichita.
“The three biggest needs we alwayas seeare rent, mortgage and utilities,” says Patrick Hanrahan, presidenrt of the United Way of the Hanrahan says representatives from Westar and will be available on-site to help customers find payment options. If they qualify, a paymen t can be made directlty on their behalf to the utility from the Westar also offers help to customeres throughProject DESERVE, a jointr venture with the . The program applies donatec funds to families in need of help with theierenergy bill. Kansas Gas Services has a similar program called Gift of Warmtghthrough .
The ability of customer to pay their heat bill will becomd more of a problem when the seasonschange “I think what I’ll be more worried about are the wintef months,” Hanrahan says. Al Walker, manager of communicationz for KansasGas Service, agreed next winter could be tough. So he says it will be importanf for customers to stayin touch. “We are always ready to meet with customers and work with them ona case-by-cased basis,” he says. “The key is that they notifyg the utility. Their best defense is communication.
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