Utilities and Medical Equipment Costs

Some electric and gas utilities offer medical baseline or medical rate programs that give customers who rely on certain equipment a lower rate or extra energy at the lowest price tier. Others offer income-based discounts that anyone meeting the limits can use. Program names and rules differ by utility and state, so call your provider and ask specifically what is available for customers using home oxygen or other powered medical devices. Most programs need a form completed by your doctor, and some require renewal every year. Once approved, check your next few bills to make sure the discount was applied correctly.

Many states have rules that delay or prevent disconnection when a doctor certifies that someone in the home has a serious medical condition or depends on equipment. These protections are often temporary, may need renewal and usually do not erase the amount owed. Call your utility as soon as a past-due notice arrives, explain the medical situation and ask about certification forms, payment arrangements and budget billing. The federally funded Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program and local charities can help with overdue bills in many areas. A social worker can help you apply quickly if a shutoff date is close.

Ask your utility whether it keeps a list of customers who depend on medical equipment and how to register. Being on that list does not guarantee faster restoration, so you still need a backup plan. Talk with your oxygen supplier about backup tanks and how long they last, keep device batteries charged and know where you would go if an outage lasted a long time. Write down your supplier's emergency number and keep a flashlight near your equipment. Some communities maintain registries for residents who need extra help during storms, which emergency responders may use.

1. 1

   Call your utility and ask about medical rate, discount and shutoff protection programs.

2. 2

   Ask your doctor to complete any medical certification forms your utility requires.

3. 3

   Apply for energy assistance or a payment plan as soon as a past-due notice arrives.

4. 4

   Make a written power outage plan with your oxygen or equipment supplier.