Utility company letter explained in English
Electric, gas or water company. The company that sells you electricity, gas or water.
Letters you may get
- Monthly bill — what you used and when to pay
- Past-due or disconnection notice — they plan to cut your service if you don’t pay
- Deposit request — some companies ask new customers for a deposit
What to do
- Call before the shutoff date and ask for a payment arrangement. Many states limit shutoffs in extreme weather or when someone is seriously ill.
- If your income is low, ask about help programs such as LIHEAP, which helps pay energy bills.
- Find the deadline. Look for “respond by”, “pay by”, “no later than”, “within”, “deadline”.
- Write the reference number from the letter on everything you send back, and keep copies.
- If you disagree with a decision, object in writing before the deadline (“appeal”, “request for reconsideration”, “dispute”, “protest”, “hearing request”). See the template.
Words you may see
- notice
- An official letter. The date printed on it often starts the deadline.
- installment agreement
- A deal to pay a debt in monthly parts. Also called a payment plan.
- utility shutoff
- When a utility company cuts your power, gas or water for unpaid bills.
Questions
What is the Utility company?
Electric, gas or water company. The company that sells you electricity, gas or water.
How long do I have to answer a letter from the Utility company?
It depends on the letter. Look for words like “respond by”, “pay by”, “no later than”, “within”, “deadline” — they mark the deadline. In the US, many deadlines count from the date printed on the notice, not from the day it arrives. Some offices add a few days for mail (Social Security assumes 5 days), and court deadlines usually start on the day you were served. To object, the letter usually names the way to do it (“appeal”, “request for reconsideration”, “dispute”, “protest”, “hearing request”).
Can I read a Utility company letter in English?
Yes. Take a photo of the letter with Briefly. It explains the letter in plain English, finds the deadline and the amount, and gives you ready-made replies in English. Your letter never leaves your device.
Other offices in the United States
Internal Revenue Service (IRS) · State Department of Revenue or Taxation · Social Security Administration (SSA) · U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) · County or State Court · Debt collection agency · Landlord / property management · Health insurer / Medicaid / Marketplace