El Paso, Texas-based utility offers several summer payment options

 

By Marvin Tessneer, Las Cruces Sun-News, N.M. -- July 12

El Paso Electric is offering several summer payment options for customers who might have trouble paying bills during this high-air-conditioning-demand period, Teresa Souza, public relations said.

"In an effort to help low-income customers who may be having difficulty making ends meet this summer, El Paso Electric offers several programs that provide assistance," she said.

The customer payment options are:

--Project Care. Available funds to help families with financial emergencies. The money is provided by El Paso Electric Co. customer donations and are matched by the company. Families seeking assistance can apply by calling 526-5555 in Las Cruces or 915-543-5970 in El Paso.

--Deferred Payment Plan. Customers who cannot pay past electric bills can obtain an agreement with the company to pay it off in installments. But they must pay their current bills.

--Budget Billing Plan. With this plan customers monthly payments are based on a 12-month average of former payments. For this plan customers must have a satisfactory credit standing.

"At the end of the year, El Paso Electric will determine was the customer balance is," Souza said. "If the customer used more than the average, there will be an extra charge. If the customer used less than the average, there will be a reimbursement."

 

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