Is there any way to turn power on even if you have an old bill? i can make payment plans, but i need power?

Sorry, you have to pay the 400. Your history shows an inability to make payments on time.

You need to come up with the $400 first.

If you are low income, you can apply for energy assistance to have money paid on your bill. Google the term "LIHEAP" and your state, and it will show you how to apply for energy assistance. If that doesn't work, many churches and anti-homelessness agencies will help pay back utilities, but you may have to get small amounts from many places, so you will have to work the phones. If that doesn't work and you can put together a hefty downpayment (say $200), try to get a payment plan with this downpayment. They will want to see some hefty effort from you especially as this bill is now 4 years old. Also, go onto your utilities website and see what programs they have to provide help - many work with places like the Salvation Army to give grants to people in need. If you can't do that, you can call the agency that regulates utilities in your town (usually they are called something like public service commission, or public utilities commission) and see if they can recommend a way to negotiate this on. As a final option, see if they will let you use a credit card to pay the old bill.

You were *sent away*? Does that mean you were a guest of the state penal system? Unfortunately, the utility company has you by the short hairs. They knew that in time, you would need power again and come crawling back begging to pay them...now you have to play by their rules if you want *their* power. Find $400 somewhere, or enjoy early nights to bed.