Umair Gaines
In Illinois, utility companies must follow specific rules and procedures when disconnecting a customer's electricity. While the time frame for disconnection varies, there are several circumstances in which electricity cannot be shut off, including during periods of extreme heat or cold, for medical reasons, or for military personnel on active duty. Customers facing disconnection are typically offered payment plans and notified in advance, but once disconnected, the utility company is not required to provide payment plans, and full payment may be demanded.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Temperature limit for electricity shut off | 95°F or above for the next 24 hours |
| Applicable season | Summer |
| Utility holiday shut off limit | No disconnection on State of Illinois or utility holiday |
| Medical emergency shut off limit | No disconnection for up to 60 days upon receipt of a valid medical certificate |
| Cold weather forecast | Temperature will be 32° or lower for the next 24 hours |
| Low-income customer rule | Down payment cannot be more than 20% of the past due amount |
| Time to pay off balance | 4 to 12 months |
| Military Personnel on Active Duty Disconnection Prohibition | No utility shall stop gas or electricity from entering the primary residence of a service member |
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What You'll Learn
Utility companies cannot disconnect during cold weather
In Illinois, utility companies are prohibited from disconnecting services on any day with a cold weather forecast. A cold-weather forecast is when the temperature is predicted to be 32°F or lower in the next 24 hours, according to the National Weather Service. This also applies to the day preceding weekends or holidays with a cold-weather forecast.
The utility companies cannot shut off services where gas or electricity is needed to operate a heating system. If a customer's electricity or gas service has already been disconnected, they can contact their utility provider to see if they qualify for reconnection without paying the full amount owed.
To prevent disconnection, customers with past-due balances can enter into a Deferred Payment Agreement (DPA) with the utility company. A DPA allows customers to make a down payment on the amount owed and pay the remaining balance over a period of up to 12 months. Low-income customers, defined as those eligible for LIHEAP, have additional protections. Their down payment cannot exceed 20% of the past-due amount, and they must be given at least 6 to 12 months to pay off the balance.
Additionally, utility companies cannot disconnect services if a valid medical certificate is provided stating that shutting off the service would worsen an existing severe illness or create a medical emergency for someone in the household. The certificate must be provided within seven days of the verbal certification and can be issued by a registered physician or a local board of health.
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Utility companies cannot disconnect during hot weather
In Illinois, utility companies cannot disconnect services during hot weather. This applies when the National Weather Service predicts that the temperature will be 95° or higher for the next 24 hours. This also applies when an excessive heat watch, heat advisory, or excessive heat warning is issued for the area. The utility cannot shut off service when gas or electricity is the sole power source for air conditioning or a cooling system.
There are additional protections for low-income customers. A low-income customer is defined as someone who is eligible for the federal Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP). For these customers, the down payment for a Deferred Payment Arrangement (DPA) cannot be more than 20% of the past-due amount, and they must be given at least 6 to 12 months to pay the balance. The utility company may agree to a longer period.
There are also medical protections. Utility companies cannot shut off services if a registered physician or local board of health certifies in writing that disconnecting utilities would aggravate an existing medical emergency or create a new one for someone in the household. This protection lasts for 60 days.
Finally, utility companies cannot shut off services after business hours (after 4:00 PM Monday through Thursday, after 12:00 PM on Friday, and anytime on a holiday). If they do, they must be able to reconnect the same day.
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Utility companies must offer a payment plan
In Illinois, utility companies are required to offer payment plans to customers facing financial hardship. These payment plans, known as Deferred Payment Arrangements (DPAs), allow customers to make a down payment on their outstanding balance and then pay off the remaining amount over a period of up to 12 months. This option is particularly beneficial for low-income customers, who may struggle to make ends meet.
The DPA low-income customer rule applies specifically to those eligible for the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP). For these customers, the down payment cannot exceed 20% of the past-due amount, and they are given at least 6 to 12 months to repay the balance. Importantly, the utility company may agree to extend this repayment period beyond 12 months if needed. Moreover, the utility company must offer an amended DPA to a low-income customer in default if they have made at least two consecutive full payments and have not been in default for more than 90 days.
Additionally, during the COVID-19 pandemic, the Illinois Commerce Commission (ICC) approved landmark utility relief agreements. These agreements included a suspension of disconnections and late fees for non-payment, providing much-needed relief to families facing financial challenges due to the pandemic. Eight of the state's major utility companies were covered by this agreement, ensuring that essential services remained accessible during a critical time.
It is important to note that utility companies in Illinois are prohibited from shutting off utilities under certain circumstances. For instance, during cold weather forecasts when temperatures are expected to be 32° or lower, and during hot weather forecasts when temperatures are predicted to reach 95° or higher. These measures are in place to protect vulnerable residents, particularly seniors, from extreme weather conditions that could pose a danger to their health and well-being.
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Utility companies cannot disconnect military personnel
Utility companies in Illinois are prohibited from disconnecting services in certain situations. Firstly, they cannot shut off services on any day with a cold or hot weather forecast. A cold weather forecast refers to temperatures expected to be 32° or lower in the next 24 hours, while a hot weather forecast refers to temperatures expected to be 95° or above in the next 24 hours. In both cases, the forecast must be from the National Weather Service, and the utility cannot shut off service if gas or electricity is needed for heating or cooling systems. This also applies to the day before a weekend or holiday with such weather forecasts.
Additionally, utility companies cannot disconnect services after 4 PM from Monday to Thursday, after noon on Fridays, or at any time on weekends unless they are prepared to take the customer's payment and reconnect the same day. They are also prohibited from disconnecting services on state or utility holidays. Furthermore, utility companies must offer a Deferred Payment Arrangement (DPA) to customers, especially low-income customers, allowing them to make a down payment and pay the balance over an extended period.
In the case of medical emergencies, utility companies cannot disconnect services for up to 60 days upon receiving a valid medical certificate stating that disconnection would aggravate an existing medical condition or create a new one. This certification must be provided by a registered physician or a local board of health and can be done by telephone or in writing.
Illinois' Winter Weather Rule, in effect from December 1 to March 31, prohibits utility companies from disconnecting military personnel and veterans if they fall behind on their utility bills. This rule also applies to Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) participants, electric space heating customers, and Percentage of Income Payment Plan (PIPP) participants.
While utility companies are regulated by laws and policies to prevent disconnections in specific circumstances, it is important for customers to be proactive and seek assistance or arrangements to avoid service interruptions.
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Utility companies cannot disconnect with a valid medical certificate
In Illinois, utility companies cannot disconnect services if a valid medical certificate is provided. The certificate must state that discontinuation or disruption of utility services will either aggravate an existing medical condition or create a medical emergency for someone residing in the household. This medical certificate must be issued by a registered physician or a local board of health.
The medical certificate can be provided via telephone, although a written certification must also be submitted within 7 days of the initial request. This can be sent via fax, mail, or email. Service must be restored within 14 days of receiving a written medical certification. It is important to note that a medical certificate can only be obtained once every 12 months unless the total account balance is paid off.
Upon receiving a valid medical certificate, utility companies will set up a Medical Payment Arrangement, allowing customers to pay off past due amounts through periodic installments. This arrangement typically begins 30 days after the certification date, with the first payment being 1/12 of the total amount owed, and the remaining balance paid in 11 equal installments. If the medical certificate is obtained after service disconnection, the first payment will be 1/4 of the total amount, with the remaining balance paid in 9 equal installments.
In addition to medical certificates, utility companies in Illinois cannot disconnect services during periods of extreme weather. This includes days with temperatures forecasted to be 32°F or lower, as well as days with temperatures of 95°F or higher. These temperature-based protections apply when gas or electricity is needed to operate heating or cooling systems.
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Frequently asked questions
Utility companies must notify customers at least 6 business days before shutting off electricity.
Yes, utility companies cannot shut off electricity in Illinois during cold or hot weather forecasts. A cold weather forecast is when the temperature will be 32° or lower for the next 24 hours, and a hot weather forecast is when the temperature is expected to be 95° or higher for the next 24 hours.
If a customer provides a valid medical certificate stating that shutting off electricity would aggravate an existing medical emergency or create a new one, the utility company cannot disconnect service for up to 60 days. Additionally, utility companies cannot shut off electricity to low-income customers who are eligible for LIHEAP.
You can enter into a Deferred Payment Arrangement (DPA) with the utility company, where you pay a portion of the past-due amount and any required fees over a period of up to 12 months.
House Bill 5086 prohibits power companies from shutting off utilities when temperatures reach 95° or higher, including holidays and weekends. This law aims to protect vulnerable residents, such as seniors and families with children, from extreme heat.
