This summer's record heat means many Austin Energy customers are facing huge electric bills. But when faced with either paying up or else being disconnected, there are options for consumers.

Every time the microwave is used or the refrigerator door opens, Amy Atkinson worries about her unpaid electric bill. An electrical short caused the heating and air conditioning units to run at the same time, but it was two months before the problem was detected and corrected leaving the family with a $1,600 bill.

“I either can pay my house payment or I can pay my electricity - but not both of them,” Atkinson said.

The huge bill was the result of a mechanical problem, but other customers face big bills following record high temperatures this summer.

“The average residential usage was the highest this June of any June in the history of Austin," said Ed Clark, Austin Energy.

Austin Energy customers who face high bills have options: Three times a year, they can request payment plans which adjust slightly the total amount owed. There's also CAP -- customer assistance program. Customers have donated $45,000 and the city puts in $170,000 to help those in need.

But demands are outpacing funds. Half a dozen social service agencies offer emergency assistance. High temperatures and tough economic times means $800,000 have already been spent.

“And we have over 300 people on our waiting list for utility assistance,” said Sherri Fleming, Travis County Emergency Assistance Department.

With two teen age boys and a medically disabled husband, Atkinson is hopeful a payment plan with Austin Energy can be worked out. But other customers are likely to find themselves in the dark since Austin Energy beefed up it's disconnect policy two years ago.

Austin Energy estimates it disconnects service to about 3,500 customers each month and about 65 percent of those are reconnected in a matter of days.