Housing > Public Utilities: Gas, Electricity, Telephone
Self-help information through various links, documents, publications, etc. Check the Community Directory Channel for more resources.
There are 17 resources
Dealing with Utility Companies Regarding Disputed Bills and Utility Deposits
(Separate Website)
This web page will give you some suggestions about how to handle your disputes with your public utility companies about bills and utility deposits.
By: National Consumer Law Center
Drinking Water and Health: What you need to know
(Separate Website)
This page has information about your drinking water.
By: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Electricity Deregulation FAQs
(Separate Website)
By: SC Department of Consumer Affairs
Energy Savers
(Separate Website)
This site provides tips on saving energy and money at home.
By: U.S. Department of Energy
Evictions and Terminations
(Separate Website)
PDF document (may load slowly).
By: South Carolina Appleseed Legal Justice Center
Fast Facts - How to Remove Your Name from Solicitation Lists
(Separate Website)
PDF document (may load slowly).
By: SC Department of Consumer Affairs
Fast Facts - Understanding Your Phone Bill
(Separate Website)
PDF document (may load slowly).
By: SC Department of Consumer Affairs
GovBenefits.gov - Your Benefits Connection
(Separate Website)
Are there government benefit programs available to help you? GovBenefits.gov will help you answer that question. Our online screening tool is free, easy-to-use, and completely confidential. We do not require your name, phone number, Social Security number, or any other information that could be used to identify you. You answer a series of questions about yourself, and then GovBenefits.gov returns a list of government benefit programs you may be eligible to receive along with information about how you can apply. Whether it's a direct payment, a loan, insurance, training, or other services - there may be government benefit programs available to help you.
By: GovBenefits.gov
How To Help Older Americans Avoid Loss Of Utility Services
(Separate Website)
Maintaining utility service is a crucial issue for older Americans. While these consumers may not be able to afford to pay their utility bills, they cannot afford to go without service either. For older consumers it may be particularly difficult to cut back on their use of basic utilities, especially during the winter or summer months, because of the serious threat that extreme temperatures can pose to their health. For retired or disabled seniors, reducing their basic electric, gas, or water bills will be even harder because they may spend more time at home. Significant savings in utility bills normally require major investments in insulation, home repairs, and energy-efficient appliances, which may be beyond the reach of financially limited consumers.
By: National Consumer Law Center
Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)
(Separate Website)
LIHEAP is a federally-funded program to help eligible low income households meet their home heating and/or cooling needs.
By: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
Stop Phone Slamming - Switching of Your Long Distance Phone Service Without Your Knowledge
(Separate Website)
Stop Phone Slamming - Switching of Your Long Distance Phone Service Without Your Knowledge or Consent
By: National Consumer Law Center
Telephone Research and Action Center Web Site
(Separate Website)
The Telecommunications Research & Action Center (TRAC) was founded in 1983 to promote and advocate for the interests of residential telecommunications customers. TRAC has, for almost 20 years, been conducting studies and publishing charts to aid consumers in choosing the correct and most efficient service for their calling needs. TRAC staff researches telecommunications issues and publishes rate comparisons to help consumers make informed decisions regarding their long distance and local phone service options. TRAC publications include TeleTipsSM Residential and Small Business Long Distance Comparison Charts, Dial-around comparison chart, and a variety of consumer guides on directory assistance services, wireless options, and getting online.
By: Telephone Research and Action Center
Telephone Services
(Separate Website)
This web site contains information about telephone services and fraudulent scams for you to avoid.
By: Federal Trade Commission
Tenants' Rights and the Law
(Separate Website)
Whether you are a landlord or a tenant, this brochure includes important information about your rights and responsibilities. PDF document (may load slowly).
By: South Carolina Bar Association
The Savvy Consumer's Guide - Energy Conservation Tips that Save Money
(Separate Website)
PDF document (may load slowly).
By: SC Department of Consumer Affairs
The Savvy Consumer's Guide - Understanding your Telephone Bill
(Separate Website)
PDF document (may load slowly).
By: SC Department of Consumer Affairs
What to do When Utility Service is Disconnected
(Separate Website)
Loss of utility service is a particularly serious problem for older Americans, who can face serious illness or death from extreme weather conditions. The most frequent reason utility service is disconnected is for nonpayment of the bill. However, because utility service is such a practical necessity of modern life, there are often limits and procedural requirements placed on the ability of a utility to disconnect a customer. This web page examines some measures that advocates for the elderly can take when an client is facing disconnection of utility service.
By: National Consumer Law Center
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(Separate Website)
