FORT WORTH, Texas -- As the cost of energy increases, customers are having a harder time paying their bills.

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Video: Utility Companies Report Increase In Late Payments
Grant Stinchfield

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TXU representative Sophia Stoller said they’ve noticed a large increase in customers who can’t pay their bill.

“Customers are in much more need of energy assistance,” she said.

Michael Ray, who is recovering from a stroke, said he owed more than $1,000 to TXU.

“My wife came in and said, ‘I didn’t want to tell you this, but they are going to turn the electric off tomorrow,’” he said.

Instead of just not paying, Ray decided to call them and ask for help.

“They were able to give me an extension for two more weeks, which was just what I needed to get some extra money and pay for the bill,” he said.

Stoller said asking for help is the key. The company offers programs that already assist more than 12,000 customers.

“If you know you’re going to have some trouble paying this month or the next month, please call us and let us know. We have services in place to help you,” she said.