BK in FL and utitilies

[Leeinfla]

HELP... I sat up all night last night typing up my BK papers as I have full intention of filing tomorrow, and today I woke up to FPL at the door demanding payment. I could not pay and the power is now off. Of course today, not AFTER I file. They are listed in my matrix as a creditor also.
Anyway, the only way to get it back on is to pay the bill and I do not get paid until next week. I had called on Nov 14 to ask for an extension and was told my final pay date was Dec 14, yeah right, I don't think today is the 14th of course there are no notes in the system reguarding that conversation, surprise surprise. The lady was even telling to give check over the phone to pay as it will not hit the bank until Monday, and then my power would be back on today. I stated what are you nuts, tha is kiting and illegal. Besides I do not have a checking account. I can not even believe that she offered that and stated that even if the funds aren't there they can accept the check.
ANYWAY, what is going to happen, if I file tomorrow as planned will they have to turn my power back on tomorrow? I would go down to pay the initial filing fee today and put an extension on the remainder which I was going to do anyway, however I do not have it until tomorrow.
Sometimes I hate my life,
HELP... I have 3 kids and no electricity. This bill would have been paid had I not missed work for almost 2 weeks due to hurricane Wilma, but no one understands that.

[Minnymouth]

Make a call to your local Congressman and let him know they turned you off with 3 kids in the house.......
Tell him the circumstances and about Wilma and how your struggling right now....

You might give social services a call also... maybe they can help or put you in touch with someone that can.

Minny

[losing_it]

I don't know about Florida, but I read somewhere that now power companies cannot turn power off during the winter months, its illegal. In my state (SC), they did that last year to some elderly people and the poor people died (like the power companies are starving or something - freaking leeches). Thats when some kind of law or bill was passed. Call the police and see if it's illegal for them to do that since it is December. I know it gets cold in parts of Fl during the winter. By the way, how are you using a computer and internet? Maybe you can stay at whoever's place you're at until the power comes back on.

[AAAArt]

By the way, how are you using a computer and internet? Maybe you can stay at whoever's place you're at until the power comes back on.

When the power's out you have to type on the 'puter and watch TV by candlelight, silly!!!
Sorry, not mocking, but my wife and I have found that when we can laugh about something, it makes life easier. My guess is that she was at work.
You really have a serious problem and I am concerned for you. The problem with not being able to turn off utilities during the winter is that most of the legislation is aimed at gas companies. Well, duh...the thermostat won't work w.out electricity. Stupid burearocracies.
My suggestions...
1. Call an atty, for a free answer to your question, They give free consults and will normally be willing to answer your question re: Bk. You may have to hint that you are looking for an atty and not say specifically that you are filing Pro Se.
2, Find the number for a local crisis line and tell them your predicament and ask what resources are available.
3. Try the Salvation Army, Red Cross, etc. in your community.
4. If you belong to a church, synaggue, etc, Ask them for help.
5. If you don't belong to a church, ask anyway. Small to medium sized churches on the edges of town usually have less money than the big or downtown churches, but often have more compassion. Ask to speak to the Pastor re: a personal crisis. If nothing else, you'l prob. get some prayers offered on your behalf.
6. Actually, this prob. should be first. GO IN PERSON to FPL. Places are much easier to work with when you are face to face rather than over the phone.
7, See if you can pawn some stuff to come up with a partial payt and then take that to FPL and ask for help.
Things not to do...
1. Do NOT take out a Payday loan.
2. Do NOT take out a title loan.
Both places can be worse than loan sharks.
I really am sorry about your condition and if I had any money, would send you some myself. Art

[StaciMM]

Because the OP mentioned FPL, I would assume this involves FL. Since weather usually does not have extremes in the winter, they may not have any limitations on power cutoffs.

[Leeinfla]

sorry was at work all afternoon

I do have a laptop, it had a fully charged battery and it has wireless integrated, and by some luck of the draw I was able to pick up a connection, it was very low howver it was better than nothing.
Anyway, I did get the bill paid today, lucky enough, a loan from a friend until i get paid next week. I did call the church first however they were allready out for the day.
I am in south florida, FPL does not care if people have a problem, I tell you if I could afford the gas I would get a house generator and say screw them. I would get a gas stove and dryer and use as little power as possible.
I will be filing tomorrow either way, and then be done with it.

[Genenco]

I know this is late, and possibly not helpful, but I bought a generator as a result due to an ice storm which creamed us 2 years ago.

Cost? About $600. But you can hit local equipment sales places which rent these out and buy them and possibly get a nice price. But this is for future thoughts.

Stay well and hugs...

BTW Let us know how it goes...Keep a journal! This helps you and those who will follow...