Relief Measures For High Utility Bills Available for Oxford and Lafayette County Residents
Record Energy Use During Recent Cold Snap
Residents of Oxford and Lafayette County are hit with higher than usual utility bills as a result of the recent severe Winter Storm Heather. Throughout the county, astonishment over the new utility charges is palpable.
The unusually high billing is the aftermath of Winter Storm Heather, which blanketed the area with ice and snow, leading to increased energy use as residents battled to keep warm and avoid frozen pipes. The storm lingered for over a week, tripling the duration of Winter Storm Elliott from December 2022, which resulted in an all-time increase in utility use.
Oxford Utility Superintendent Rob Neely confirmed the record-setting energy use: “January bills will indeed reflect a rise due to the increased use of electricity for heating purposes. Customers who kept their faucets running to prevent pipes from freezing will also notice an increased water bill.”
Help is Available
However, for customers genuinely battling to meet their utility costs, regardless of whether they are patrons of Oxford Utilities or North East Mississippi Electric Power Association, assistance is available.
“We suggest those needing help with their utility bills reach out to LIFT, Interfaith Compassion Ministry, and the Salvation Army,” recommended Neely.
Interfaith offers the Plus-1 program for Oxford Utilities customers. The scheme, which can be used once each year for two consecutive years, helps make payments for those in need. Moreover, LIFT extends support towards electric bills only, exempting water or sewer charges.
Flexible Payment Arrangements and Assistance Programs
Beyond immediate financial assistance, these utilities offer other opportunities for customers needing an extra breather on bill payments. Oxford Utilities permits special payment arrangements, which must be requested before the disconnection of service. Each customer can avail of up to two special payment plans annually.
As Keith Hayward, CEO/general manager of North East Mississippi Electric Power Association, confirmed, “We will always support members struggling with bill payments. All they need to do is reach us.” Though the association doesn’t provide a bill forgiveness program, they are committed to working with members to arrange a suitable payment strategy.
The best course of action for customers struggling with their electricity bills is to engage with their utility providers who are prepared to extend help and advice in overcoming this unusually burdensome financial hiccup.
Contact Information
Details for the above-mentioned organizations:
LIFT, Inc: 662-238-6222
Interfaith Compassion Ministry: 662-236-3482
Salvation Army: (Local contact no.)
