Kimberly Dailey Articles

An estimated 179 million Americans are at risk to lose utility service as moratoriums expire and unpaid utility bills come due. Unpaid electric and gas bills are expected to total more than $24 billion by the end of the year, a debt that is four times larger than last year’s. Indicators signal that the economic shock isn’t yet over – a Census Bureau survey reveals that one-third of Americans continue to struggle to pay their bills.

Replacing an electric water heater can cost from $1,000 to $1,600, with a gas-powered one costing an estimated $1,000 to $1,400 – a bill that can be overwhelming to homeowners with limited funds or a fixed income, especially as the economy recovers.