Utility question

[pambysue]

since I have moved, I have established new gas & electric service. My utilities at my house that I am surrendering were too much for me to afford with my new service, so I had them turned off. I received 'final bills' totalling $670 for both the gas & electric. If I include them in my bk petition, will I run into problems with my current service? I don't have an extra $670 laying around to pay them, but I am afraid if i include them in my bk, they will shut off my service at my new residence. They are both in my name, however they are different account numbers. Or, should I see if I can maybe pay $50 per month on them until they are paid off? (although I don't know how well that would go over with them! They like their money in full!! )
Thanks for your opinions on all my questions!

[poorme]

Have you filed yet? If not, then you can include the old balances in your filing. If you have, then maybe/maybe not. I suppose you could always amend your filing to include them.
But the tricky thing about the utility companies is this - yes, they'll let you have 'new' service after you bk with them, but often charge a HEFTY deposit, sometimes as much as 3-4 times your largest bill with them. On the other hand, I always say it's worth a phone call to their billing department to ask and speak directly to the collections supv...seems allowing you to keep svc without a large deposit and take a small monthly payment is better than losing $700 as a write-off.

[pambysue]

Thankyou poorme. No, I haven't filed bk yet. I intend to do so next month. I already have service in my name at my new address. Do you think they would shut me off if i include the old bills from my last house? I intend to call them and see if I can work out a payment for the old bills, but I really doubt they will go for that.. It's worth a try though.

[poorme]

I would definitely make sure that you keep your current address billing paid up.

[Minnymouth]

If the utilities are with the same company that you were with before it would be WISE to just go ahead and make arrangements to pay them off gradually..... so much extra a month on the old bill.

If it is the same company, they can disconnect service immediately for non-payment if you file against them in bankruptcy. Then they can demand an extremely high deposit to turn you service back on.....

Most utility companies will work with you over past due debts if you contact them before they have to take you to collections or court.