Courtesy: CHAT Newsroom

By Angela Kazmierczak

Some are struggling to pay for utilities

Jan 12, 2023 | 5:04 PM

MEDICINE HAT, AB – Medicine Hat’s City Hall says some people are struggling to pay their utilities bill – and it doesn’t have to be that way.

Denise Schmaltz, who oversees billing and customer care at City Hall, says that about 2,000 people each month struggle.

And it’s not an unusual amount of people either.

“It is fairly consistent with the 10 year average that we have, in exception of the COVID years,” said Schmaltz.

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She says that inflation and the colder weather are raising utility bills, but the number is consistent with previous years.

“January and February typically are the highest bills than other time of the year-just because of the cold weather, consumption habits, as well as high electricity and gas demands,” said Schmaltz. Despite these factors, she says the same number of people face disconnection.

But in the case a person receives a disconnect notice, she urges a person call the city.

“At that time or before, it’s really important to contact the Collections Department. Payment arrangement will defer any other actions happening on that account, avoids disconnection and also relieves some stress because there are usually some options that can be worked out,” said Schmaltz.

Some of these options include supports, such as payment arrangement, incoming support, community warmth, budget billing, conservation, low income family support and the government’s latest affordability plan.

Those in Medicine Hat can learn more about the supports via the city’s website or by phoning the Collections Department at 403-529-8113.