Utility Arrears

If you are owing a large amount on a current utility bill (gas, electric, telephone), we can list this debt in your bankruptcy petition and this bill will be eliminated and service WILL continue. However, if you want the utility service to continue in your name, the utility company will require that you post a security deposit within no more than 40 days of filing your petition. The amount of the security deposit is determined by adding together the two largest months of usage over the past twelve months.

If you are not owing a large amount but want to continue this service in your name, it may be better to not list the utility debt in your bankruptcy, and instead pay-off the bill in installments. The utility company must give you time to pay the overdue amount. This installment option must be offered at least five days before any shut-off and the payment plan must be fair.