NC rural utility bill assistance needed

[tiasmom01]

I live in a rural area of 15,000+ outside of Asheville. Our electric company is French Broad Electric Co-Op, and I've been paying $200 a month on a past due balance that I can never catch up on. Now I'm without a job due to layoff at the end of October, and unemployment benefits haven't started, so I have absolutely no income at the moment. French Broad has been wonderful as long as I paid my past due amount . . . but not so understanding if I'm unable to pay it. Regardless of the situation or time of year, they will turn off the electricity. Now I'm in a panic, as I won't receive my unemployment for at least another week. Help!

Thanks in advance...
Tiasmom01

[helper]

Try LIHEAP crisis grants. However, they should not be able to turn off your service if you are on a payment plan.
http://liheap.ncat.org/Disconnect/disconnect.htm

State North Carolina
Date-based yes
Protection Dates November 1 - March 31
Temperature-based no
Seasonal Policy No disconnect for elderly, disabled, and customers who are eligible for the Energy Crisis Assistance Program.
Deferred Payments Disconnection is prohibited if customer agrees and adheres to a payment plan.

[helper]

Here is some additional information on low income energy assistance programs in North Carolina. Review this document.
http://www.liheap.org/databook01/northcarolina.pdf