Trystan Casey
Depending on where you live, energy companies will not shut off your electricity during the winter months. For example, in Indiana, electric and natural gas utilities are prohibited from disconnecting customers between December 1 and March 15 if the customer is receiving help from the federally funded Energy Assistance Program (EAP). In Massachusetts, if your electricity has been shut off, you can call your utility company and provide proof of your situation, such as a doctor's note for a serious illness or income-based proof of your inability to pay. It's important to communicate with your utility company and make arrangements if you are unable to pay your bills to avoid disconnection.
Characteristics and Values
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Electric company shut-off timing | It depends on the state and the utility company. In some states, it is illegal to cut off utilities in the winter. In Indiana, electric and natural gas utilities may not disconnect customers between December 1 and March 15 if the customer is receiving help from or has applied for the federally funded Energy Assistance Program (EAP). |
| Factors considered by utility companies | Whether the customer has small children, has a serious health issue, or is receiving or qualifies for EAP funds. |
| Preventing disconnection | Contact the utility company and provide proof of your situation, such as a child's birth certificate, a doctor's note, or income-based proof of inability to pay. Work out a payment plan with the electric provider. |
| Restoration of services | If the utility company does not restore services, contact the relevant department or authority, such as the Department of Public Utilities or the local Community Action Agency (CAA). |
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What You'll Learn
State-specific variations on winter shut-off policies
While there are federal regulations in place to ensure utility companies act fairly and provide a safety net for their customers, each state is responsible for passing and upholding its own electricity shut-off laws. These laws vary widely from state to state, and even within states, there can be county-specific differences.
For example, in Indiana, under Indiana Code 8-1-2-121, electric and natural gas utilities may not disconnect customers between December 1 and March 15 if the customer is receiving help from or has qualified and applied for the federally funded Energy Assistance Program (EAP). Disconnection can still occur under certain circumstances, such as emergencies, fraudulent use of services, or meter tampering.
In New Hampshire, there are also winter disconnection rules in place for electric and gas customers. While customers can still be disconnected for non-payment, it is more difficult to be disconnected during the winter months. There are increased protections for customers, and no residential customer can be disconnected during the winter for non-payment of a deposit or portion of a deposit if they are enrolled in a government-funded financial assistance program.
Some states, like Oklahoma and Arkansas, have laws specifying which months utilities cannot be shut off. For instance, in Pennsylvania and Kentucky, winter shut-offs are prohibited to ensure residents' safety during the coldest months. Most states also have rules against disconnections during weekends and holidays.
During the recent pandemic, many areas across the United States paused utility shut-offs altogether, providing relief for those facing financial hardship.
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Indiana's moratorium on winter disconnections
Indiana has a winter moratorium in place that prevents electric and natural gas utilities from disconnecting customers between December 1 and March 15. This applies to investor-owned and municipal utilities, as well as rural electric membership cooperatives (REMCs).
To qualify for this moratorium, customers must be receiving help from the federally funded Energy Assistance Program (EAP), or qualify for EAP funds, have formally applied for the program, and provided the utility with written proof. The OUCC strongly urges consumers who are covered by the moratorium to continue to pay their heating bills through the winter, even if they can only make a partial payment. This demonstrates a good-faith effort to keep energy bills under control.
There are some circumstances in which disconnection can still occur, such as an emergency, fraudulent use of services, meter tampering, or if the consumer requests it. Additionally, the presence of small children or individuals with serious health issues in the home does not automatically qualify a consumer for the moratorium. However, if a consumer can provide a medical statement from a licensed doctor or public health official, the utility company must postpone disconnection for 10 days.
If you are covered by the moratorium and have an outstanding bill, it is important to contact your utility company to discuss arrangements and how to keep your service on. Indiana also offers alternative assistance programs, such as the Winter Assistance Fund for Marion County residents who cannot afford their electric bills but do not qualify for the EAP.
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Circumstances that could lead to disconnection
The circumstances leading to a disconnection of your electric supply in winter vary depending on the state and the utility company. In some states, it is illegal to cut off utilities in the wintertime, while in others, energy companies won't disconnect during the winter months, which can range from November to early March.
However, there are still situations where your electric supply could be disconnected, even during the winter. These include:
- Emergency situations: In the event of an emergency, your electric company may temporarily disconnect your service to ensure safety or make necessary repairs. This could include situations like natural disasters, accidents, or equipment failures.
- Fraudulent use or meter tampering: If it is found that you have tampered with your electric meter or are using your electricity fraudulently, your electric company may disconnect your service. This could include situations of theft of electricity, illegal modifications to the meter, or any other unauthorized use.
- Non-payment of bills: If you fail to pay your electric bills for an extended period, your electric company may eventually disconnect your service. The specific timeframe for this varies by company and state, but it typically ranges from 60 to 90 days past due. During this time, the electric company may send warning notices and offer payment plans to help you maintain your service.
- Consumer request: In some cases, consumers may request a temporary disconnection of their electric service. This could be due to financial constraints, extended travel, or other personal reasons. The electric company will typically work with the consumer to arrange a suitable timeframe for the disconnection and provide guidance on any necessary preparations.
- Medical reasons: If a licensed doctor or public health official provides a medical statement indicating that someone in the household has a serious health issue directly impacted by the electric service, the utility company may be required to postpone disconnection for a certain period, typically around 10 days.
It is important to maintain open communication with your utility company and discuss any outstanding payments or special circumstances that may impact your service.
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How to restore services after disconnection
In the winter, electric and natural gas utilities may not disconnect customers between certain dates, usually December through March, if specific criteria are met. These criteria include receiving help from the federally funded Energy Assistance Program (EAP) or having small children or vulnerable individuals in the home.
If your electricity has been disconnected, there are several steps you can take to restore service:
- Contact your electricity provider: It is important to communicate with your utility company to discuss the outstanding bill and make arrangements for repayment. They can also advise on the exact details of when and how your power will be restored.
- Pay the outstanding amount: Pay any overdue amounts, including any applicable reconnection fees and security deposits. Most providers offer various payment options, but paying online is often the quickest method, providing an immediate log of your payment.
- Notify the provider of payment: While your electricity provider will likely be able to see that your payment has been made, it is beneficial to proactively notify them. This can help expedite the reconnection process.
- Allow time for reconnection: Typically, your electricity will be restored within 1 to 2 business days of payment. However, if you are significantly past the due date, it may take additional time for the provider to work through the details of your case.
- Ensure adult presence during reconnection: For safety reasons, it is recommended to have an adult present when the power is being reconnected. If this is not possible, ensure that all breakers are turned off, and any fuses are removed.
To prevent future disconnections, consider setting up an automatic payment plan to ensure timely bill payment. Budgeting and learning energy-conservation methods can also help keep your utility costs manageable.
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Arranging payment plans with the electric company
In the winter, electric companies are prohibited from disconnecting customers under certain conditions. For example, in Indiana, between December 1 and March 15, electric companies cannot disconnect customers who are receiving help from the federally funded Energy Assistance Program (EAP).
If you have received a shut-off notice, you should contact your utility provider immediately and ask to enroll in a payment plan. Most investor-owned electric companies offer deferred payment arrangements, allowing you to set up a customized and manageable payment plan. You can also ask about arrearage forgiveness programs or other payment assistance programs.
Budget billing is another option to consider. This equalizes your monthly payments over 12 months, so you pay a predictable amount each month, regardless of seasonal fluctuations or energy prices. This option gives you better control over your expenses and helps you avoid unexpected spikes in your utility bills.
If you are a residential customer, you may also qualify for payment assistance programs. Reach out to your electric utility provider to discuss the available options. They can advise you on the eligibility criteria for various programs and help you find a solution that works for your financial situation.
Remember that communication with your utility provider is crucial. If you are struggling to make payments, don't hesitate to contact them and make arrangements to keep your service running. They may be able to offer you a payment plan that suits your needs and helps you manage your utility bills effectively.
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Frequently asked questions
The time frame within which electric companies are allowed to shut off your power varies depending on the state and the company. In Indiana, electric companies are prohibited from disconnecting customers between December 1 and March 15 if the customer is receiving help from the federally funded Energy Assistance Program (EAP). In other states, this time frame may begin as early as November and end as early as the beginning of March.
If your power has been shut off, you should call your utility company directly. They will ask for proof of your situation, such as a child's birth certificate, a doctor's note for a serious illness, or income-based proof of your inability to pay. If your electric service is not restored after speaking with your utility company, you should contact the relevant government department, such as the Department of Public Utilities.
To prevent your power from being shut off in the winter, it is important to maintain open communication with your utility company. If you are unable to pay your bills, you can call your electric provider and work out a payment plan. Making partial payments or arranging a compromise can demonstrate a good-faith effort to keep your energy bill under control.
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