Urgent help needed!!!

I work for a utility company in Wisconsin...I agree you should contact the agencies listed above, especially churches and the Salvation Army.  But you also need to contact the gas company and set up arrangements, be prepared to keep the arrangements you make - the company I work for will disconnect someone for failing to keep a payment arrangement (I work for an electric not gas co-so I'm not sure when the PSC says gas can not disconnect).  They never should have let you get so far behind.  Is there anything you can do to conserve energy to keep the bill at a more manageable monthly amount? Make lots of phone calls...the squeaky wheel gets the oil. Good luck,

Laura, my Angel - I'm so sorry to hear about your troubles. I know you're deeply involved in church - have you talked with your pastor to see if they can be of any help?  I'm giving you far away hugs, Farrah

You may already have recieved this but here is a link to the Cold Weather Rule info online: http://www.puc.state.mn.us/consumer/assist/coldrule.htm .  I know I had some confusion about it myself. I thought it was an automatic that your heat couldn't be shut off, but you have to actually pre-apply for protection!  I hope you get the help that you need. It is really hard when you are at a place in your life where you are in debt, but make too much to get the state aid you really need. It's a vicious cycle! Melanie

Hi Laura-  Call Energy Cents Coalition -651-774-9010 They will help you set up payment plans with Minnegasco and help pay the past due balance.  They pay part of your current bill and match any payments that you make, dollar for dollar.  The program is wonderful, I have used it.  They act quick too if you are without heat.  Give them a call.  Let me know if you have any other quesionts about it. Thanks Shelly

I wish I had more advice for you,  you have gotten great advice.  I would second the suggestion of calling local churches,  especially bigger churches,  I can't tell you how much my church as helped me is a time of crisis.  Yes,  call the Salvation Army, Catholic Charities, anyone you can think of.  Also, it may not sound like a thing you want to do, but call a bankruptcy lawyer, see what they say, doesn't mean you have to file bankruptcy but maybe they have some ideas for you.  Also call Consumer Credit Counseling Agency/Family Means.  Sometimes having a talk or meeting with them and getting a certificate from them may help with your mortgage company to show you are doing what you can to catch up and keep up with your mortgage.  I know how you feel.  I have been there.  Please keep up updated,  I will keep you in my prayers.  Do you have space heaters you can use for now?  Maybe some people on the board here have one you can borrow.  i wish I had one you could borrow.  Post on Freecycle that you need on or on craigslist.  I knoe it will raise your electric bill but you need heat.