How To Help Older Americans Avoid Loss Of Utility Services

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.