You have to go through consumer counseling so the government will know you at least theoretically understand the obligations you're getting into. (debt.org)
Debt management plan (DMP): Considered an alternative to bankruptcy, DMPs are special payment plans arranged between nonprofit consumer counseling agencies and creditors to accept monthly payments with lower or no additional interest for a set period of time — typically about five years — before considering the debt paid in full. (speakingofcredit.com)
The decision is surprising, as it approves a figure that is three times higher than Xcel's original estimates on cost recovery, and which has already been opposed by Colorado's Office of Consumer Counsel and two of the state's largest industrial electricity consumers. (greentechmedia.com)