|
State |
Alabama |
Date-based
|
no |
Protection
Dates |
|
Temperature-based
|
yes |
Temperature |
32° F or below |
Seasonal
Policy |
Ban
for special circumstances such as extreme weather or life-threatening
situation. |
Other |
|
Deferred
Payments |
|
|
State |
Alaska |
Date-based
|
no |
Protection
Dates |
|
Temperature-based
|
no |
Temperature |
|
Seasonal
Policy |
No
disconnect for seriously ill, disabled. |
Other |
Delay
disconnect for 15 days if household member is seriously ill,
age 65 or older, disabled, or dependent on life support system. |
Deferred
Payments |
No
disconnect if customer is on a payment plan. |
|
State |
Arizona |
Date-based
|
no |
Protection
Dates |
|
Temperature-based |
yes |
Temperature |
32° F and below |
Seasonal
Policy |
Temperature
based |
Other |
Utilities advised not to terminate residential service when the customer has an inability to pay and where weather will be especially dangerous to health (usually 32° F or below for winter and triple digits for summer) as determined by the Commission. There are also rules prohibiting disconnection of service for certain medical reasons. |
Deferred
Payments |
|
|
State |
Arkansas |
Date-based
|
yes |
Protection
Dates |
November 1
- March 31 (temperature-based) |
Temperature-based
|
yes |
Temperature |
32° F and below
95° F and above (elderly and disabled) |
Seasonal
Policy |
Gas
and electric service cannot be disconnected if forecast predicts
a temperature of 32 or lower during the next 24 hours. No disconnect
for elderly or disabled when temperature is >95, or medical
emergency. No disconnect if customer agrees to deferred or extended
payment agreement. The Public Service Commission has amended the states cold weather rule to ban winter natural gas disconnections of certain income-eligible households provided they make a minimum payment, about 50 percent of their bill. The amendment is effective December 1 through March 31. If households make the required payment, the remainder of their bill is deferred until April, after which they have seven months to pay off the balance. Qualified customers are those who receive benefits from LIHEAP, Food Stamps, WIC, Medicaid or Transition Employment Assistance. To qualify, customers must notify their natural-gas supplier that they are eligible and provide written proof to the utility within two weeks. If fraud, misuse or failure to make monthly payments occur, the utility can suspend the customers service until all bills are paid in full. |
Other |
Utilities must honor a physician's certificate in prescribed
form that a customer/permanent resident has a serious
medical condition and stating that suspension of service
would result in substantial risk of death or grave
impairment. Certificate can be given by telephone by
doctor, nurse, R.N., or public or private agency providing
mental health care services, but must be confirmed within
7 days by a physician's writing. |
Deferred
Payments |
No
disconnect if customer agrees and adheres to a payment plan. |
|
State |
California |
Date-based |
yes |
Protection
Dates |
winter months |
Temperature-based
|
no |
Temperature |
|
Seasonal
Policy |
Utilities are prohibited from shutting off service during winter to residential customers who make regular payments of at least 50 percent of their bills. The utilities may require such customers to comply with a levelized payment plan to avoid shut-off, or otherwise must provide such customers with 9-month repayment plans starting at the end of the winter. |
Other |
No
disconnect year-round if detrimental to health or safety of
household member |
Deferred
Payments |
No
disconnect if customer agrees to deferred or extended payment
agreement. |
|
State |
Colorado |
Date-based
|
no |
Protection
Dates |
|
Temperature-based
|
no |
Temperature |
No
special seasonal protections |
Seasonal
Policy |
|
Other |
Customer with a medical certificate could postpone disconnection for up to 90
days and only once during a 12 month period. Certification of licensed doctor or
health practitioner is required. |
Deferred
Payments |
|
|
State |
Connecticut |
Date-based |
yes |
Protection
Dates |
November 1
- April 15 |
Temperature-based
|
no |
Temperature |
|
Seasonal
Policy |
Low-income "hardship" policy - customers are entitled to have gas heat and electric service turned on between 11/1 and 4/15, even if they owe the utility company money, except if gas heat service was provided during prior winter based on "hardship" and service was turned off between 4/15 and 10/31, then, to get service turned on, customer must pay the lesser of $100, minimum payments due under payment agreement, or 20% of debt to gas company when gas was shut off. Customers must apply for "hardship" protection at the utility every fall. Gas and electric utility service must be provided year-round if a lack of service is life-threatening, regardless of debt to the utility. |
Other |
No
disconnect for 15 days for illness certified by a physician, certification can be renewed. |
Deferred
Payments |
No
disconnect if customer agrees and adheres to payment |
|
State |
Delaware |
Date-based
|
yes |
Protection
Dates |
November 15
- April 15 |
Temperature-based |
yes |
Temperature |
32° F and below
105° F
or above |
Seasonal
Policy |
Temperature
based |
Other |
No disconnect if termination will adversely afftect the occupant's health; must be certified by licensed physician or Christian Science
practitioner. |
Deferred
Payments |
|
|
State |
District
of Columbia |
Date-based
|
no |
Protection
Dates |
|
Temperature-based
|
yes |
Temperature |
32° F and below |
Seasonal
Policy |
Temperature
based |
Other |
Termination may be postponed for up to 21
days (plus one renewal) with a physician's certificate or
notice from a public health official stating that termination
would be detrimental to the health/safety of a person. |
Deferred
Payments |
Customer must enter into a deferred payment plan if termination is postponed. |
|
State |
Florida |
Date-based
|
no |
Protection
Dates |
|
Temperature-based |
no |
Temperature |
|
Seasonal
Policy |
No
special seasonal protections |
Other |
|
Deferred
Payments |
|
|
State |
Georgia |
Date-based |
yes |
Protection
Dates |
November 15
- March 15 and summer months |
Temperature-based
|
yes |
Temperature |
32° F and below or 98° and above |
Seasonal
Policy |
Total
ban between November 15 and March 15 when the forecasted low
temperature for a 24 hour period
beginning at 8:00 A.M. on the date of the proposed disconnection is below
32 degrees.
No disconnect if illness would be aggravated, need statement from
doctor. Residential service will not be disconnected if at 8 A.M. on the scheduled
disconnection day, a National
Weather Service
Heat Advisory or Excessive Heat Warning is in effect for the county of the
scheduled disconnection. |
Other |
Delay
disconnect for 30 days with medical certification. If life support equipment is needed a "load limiter" is installed that allows enough
electricity to run the equipment. Cannot disconnect
unless a bill is at least 45 days overdue and proper notification
has been sent. |
Deferred
Payments |
No
disconnect during protection dates if customer agrees and adheres
to payment plan. |
|
State |
Hawaii |
Date-based |
no |
Protection
Dates |
|
Temperature-based |
no |
Temperature |
|
Seasonal
Policy |
No
special protections |
Other |
|
Deferred
Payments |
|
|
State |
Idaho |
Date-based
|
yes |
Protection
Dates |
December 1
- February 29 |
Temperature-based
|
no |
Temperature |
|
Seasonal
Policy |
Disconnect
ban for households with children under 18, elderly age 62 or
older, or infirm. |
Other |
Delay
disconnection for 30 days if detrimental to health of a household
member, certified by a health professional. Cannot disconnect
if a customer owes less than $75 or no more than last month's balance on Nov. 1. |
Deferred
Payments |
No
disconnect (Nov - March) if customers agrees to payment plan. |
|
State |
Illinois |
Date-based |
yes |
Protection
Dates |
December 1
- March 31 and summer months |
Temperature-based |
yes |
Temperature |
32° F and below or 95° F and above |
Seasonal
Policy |
Total
ban when < 32. Utilities must offer payment plan of 10%
down payment and equalized billing over the next 4 to 12 months. In summer months public utilities cannot turn off gas or electricity when it is the sole power source for the
cooling if the forecast for the following 24 hours includes
temperature at or above 95°F; includes master-meter buildings. |
Other |
LIHEAP beneficiaries with outstanding balances of less than $3,000 will pay the lesser value of $250 or 20 percent of their remaining balance to reactivate service. 30
day delay if physician certifies that disconnect would adversely
affect the health of a household member. Customer is expected
to enter into a payment plan. |
Deferred
Payments |
Utility cannot disconnect during protection dates unless it has offered a deferred payment plan and informed the customer of available energy assistance funds. |
|
State |
Indiana |
Date-based |
yes |
Protection
Dates |
December 1
- March 15 |
Temperature-based |
no |
Temperature |
|
Seasonal
Policy |
Prohibits utilities from disconnecting residential natural gas or electric service for nonpayment from December 1 to March 15 if the customer qualifies for public assistance, whether or not the customer receives the benefit. |
Other |
Postpones
disconnection for 20 days if the customer presents a
medical statement from a licensed physician which states
that disconnection would be a serious and immediate
threat to the health or safety of a person in the
household. |
Deferred
Payments |
No
disconnect for financial hardship if the customer pays the lesser
of $10 or 10% of the overdue bill, agrees to pay the remainder
within three months and agrees to pay all undisputed future
bills when due. |
|
State |
Iowa |
Date-based |
yes |
Protection
Dates |
November 1
- March 31 (
MidAmerican Energy and Alliant Energy extended their moratorium until April 14, 2008) |
Temperature-based |
yes |
Temperature |
20° F or below |
Seasonal
Policy |
No
disconnect for all residential customers when <20° F. LIHEAP-certified
customers have complete protection from Nov. 1 through March
31 regardless of temperature; utility must offer payment plan
after moratorium.
Those who notify their gas and electric utility that they are applying for LIHEAP certification through the local CAP agency may receive a 30 day stay from service disconnection during the moratorium. |
Other |
30
day delay if physician certifies that disconnect would adversely
affect the health of a household member. |
Deferred
Payments |
Prohibited
from disconnect if customer agrees and adheres to payment plan. |
|
State |
Kansas |
Date-based
|
yes |
Protection
Dates |
November 1
- March 31 |
Temperature-based
|
yes |
Temperature |
35° F or below |
Seasonal
Policy |
Ban
when < 35, to avoid disconnect when temperature is above
35 customers must make payment schedule, meet payments and
apply for aid if eligible. |
Other |
Delay
disconnection for 20 days if the action would adversely affect
the health of a household member. During the delay the customer
is expected to agree to a payment plan. |
Deferred
Payments |
During the moratoria, customers must enter into negotiated payment plan, pay 1/12 of arrearage, 1/12 of current bill and disconnection, reconnection and deposit if applicable and apply for energy assistance funds. |
|
State |
Kentucky |
Date-based |
yes |
Protection
Dates |
November 1 - March 31 |
Temperature-based
|
no |
Temperature |
|
Seasonal
Policy |
30
day extension if eligible for energy assistance (130% FPG),
must agree to pay plan. Must reconnect if customer proves need
and pays lower of $200 or one-third of bill and makes payments
on time. Cannot disconnect if payment agreement is in effect. |
Other |
Delay
disconnect for 30 days with medical certification. Customer
must negotiate a payment plan to maintain service after delay. |
Deferred
Payments |
Cannot
disconnect if payment agreement is in effect. |
|
State |
Louisiana |
Date-based
|
no |
Protection
Dates |
|
Temperature-based
|
no |
Temperature |
|
Seasonal
Policy |
|
Other |
Disconnection
delayed for up to 63 days if detrimental to health or safety
of household member. Customer must negotiate a payment plan
before disconnect date. |
Deferred
Payments |
|
|
State |
Maine |
Date-based
|
yes |
Protection
Dates |
November 15
- April 15 |
Temperature-based |
no |
Temperature |
|
Seasonal
Policy |
Not
permitted if eligible customer (185% FPG) agrees to payment
plan or if account is < 3 months overdue or < $50; requires
PUC approval. |
Other |
30
day delay, with renewals up to 90 days, if physician certifies
that disconnect would adversely affect the health of a household
member. Cannot disconnect if an overdue amount is less than
$50, unless the overdue amount is more than 90 days old or the
utility bills four times a year or less. |
Deferred
Payments |
Disconnect
prohibited if customer agrees to a payment plan. |
|
State |
Maryland |
Date-based
|
yes |
Protection
Dates |
November 1 - March 31 |
Temperature-based |
yes |
Temperature |
32° F or below |
Seasonal
Policy |
Utility
must provide affidavit to the Commission that disconnect will
not endanger the health of any household member. |
Other |
Utility
Service Protection Program payment plans for low-income customers
(<150% FPG) provide shut-off protection year-round. If a
household member has a serious medical condition, certified
by a doctor, disconnection is delayed for 30 additional days.
Customer is required to enter into a payment plan. |
Deferred
Payments |
|
|
State |
Massachusetts |
Date-based |
yes |
Protection
Dates |
November 15
- March 15 |
Temperature-based
|
no |
Temperature |
|
Seasonal
Policy |
Disconnect
not permitted for any customer who cannot pay an overdue charge
because of financial hardship. |
Other |
Utilities
are prohibited from terminating service to low-income households where occupants present certification that a household member is seriously ill or is an infant under 12 months of age. Utilities need written approval to shut off services where all household residents are 65 years or older. If
the elderly household is low-income and includes a minor, the
protection against termination will apply. |
Deferred
Payments |
|
|
State |
Michigan |
Date-based
|
yes |
Protection
Dates |
November 1 - March 31 |
Temperature-based
|
no |
Temperature |
|
Seasonal
Policy |
Winter
Protection Plan for low income (less than 200% FPG), elderly 65 years
or older or recipients of Medicaid, Food Stamps or Department of Human Services cash assistance. Must be enrolled in a payment plan and apply for LIHEAP. |
Other |
Disconnection
delay of 21 days with medical certificate if health of household
member would be adversely affected. Certification may be renewed another 42 days. Due date for utility bills extended to 22 days. Limit on deposits.
Year-round protection from shut-off is available to all residential customers regardless of income with an initial down payment of 10 percent of a customer's total bill and a monthly budget plan.
Customers called to full-time active military service during a time of declared national or state emergency or war, may apply for shut-off protection for up to 90 days and may request extensions of this protection by re- applying. |
Deferred
Payments |
Low income customers must make monthly payments of at least 6% of their estimated annual bill, along with a portion of any past-due amount, November through March to avoid shut-off. Eligible senior citizens participating in Winter Protection are not required to make specific monthly payments between November 1 and March 31. |
|
State |
Minnesota |
Date-based
|
yes |
Protection
Dates |
October 15
- April 15 |
Temperature-based
|
yes
- summer disconnect protection |
Temperature |
Utilities may not disconnect residential electricity service when an excessive heat watch, heat advisory, or excessive heat warning has been issued by the National Weather Service |
Seasonal
Policy |
Disconnect
ban if customer declares inability to pay and income is <50%
state median income and agrees to payment plan or if eligible
customer pays 10% of income or the full amount of current bill
(whichever is less) or if customer agrees and adheres to payment
plan. Summer disconnent protection - a utility may not effect
an involuntary disconnection of residential services in affected
counties when an excessive heat watch, heat advisory, or excessive
heat warning issued by the National Weather Service is in effect. |
Other |
Disconnect
ban if health of household member would be adversely affected,
need medical certificate. Municipals, electric co-ops and public utilities cannot disconnect utility service to a household where a member of the household has been called into active duty if
(1) the household income is below state median or is getting energy assistance and enters into a payment agreement where the customer pays 10% of monthly income toward the bill and remains “reasonably” current; or
(2) the household income is above state median income and enters into a payment agreement “establishing a reasonable payment schedule that considers the financial resources of the household and the residential customer remains reasonably current w/ payments under the payment schedule.”
|
Deferred
Payments |
|
|
State |
Mississippi |
Date-based
|
yes |
Protection
Dates |
December 1
- March 31 |
Temperature-based |
no |
Temperature |
|
Seasonal
Policy |
Prohibited
for customers who can prove extreme financial difficulty or
medical emergency and agree to payment plan. |
Other |
If a customer demonstrates
a medical emergency from December through March, the
utility shall not terminate service without offering a
levelized plan. A customer who agrees to a levelized billing plan will not be disconnected after April 1st. |
Deferred
Payments |
|
|
State |
Missouri |
Date-based |
yes |
Protection
Dates |
November 1 - March 31 |
Temperature-based
|
yes |
Temperature |
32° F or below |
Seasonal
Policy |
Prohibits the disconnection of heat-related service when the temperature is predicted to drop
below 32 degrees during the following 24 hour period. A
customer can have service restored by making an initial payment of 50% of his/her
outstanding balance or $500, whichever is less, with the deferred balance to be paid in a Cold
Weather Rule payment agreement plan. Prohibits the disconnection of registered elderly and disabled customers who meet certain
income guidelines who make a minimum payment. |
Other |
Disconnect shall be postponed for 21 days due to the
medical condition of an occupant .Allows customers to extend payment of pre-existing arrears beyond 12 months. |
Deferred
Payments |
|
State |
Montana |
Date-based
|
yes |
Protection
Dates |
November 1
- April 1 |
Temperature-based |
yes |
Temperature |
Cannot disconnect any day when the temperature at 8 a.m. is below 32° F or if freezing temperatures are forcast for the next 24 hours for customers receiving public assistance or if household
member is age 62 or older or disabled. |
Seasonal
Policy |
Prohibited
for customers receiving public assistance or if household member
is age 62 or older or disabled. PSC approval needed for shut-off. |
Other |
Disconnection
is delayed if detrimental to existing medical condition, written certification to utility can be renewed every 30 days as needed. |
|
State |
Nebraska |
Date-based
|
yes |
Protection
Dates |
November 1 - March 31 |
Temperature-based |
no |
Temperature |
|
Seasonal
Policy |
No
disconnect for low-income natural gas customers with proof of eligibility for energy assistance. |
Other |
To have service restored between November 1 and March 31, a ratepayer must make payment of one-fourth
of the total arrearage plus the most recent bill and enter a payment plan
with the remaining
arrearage paid in installments over no less than three
months or as agreed between the ratepayer and the utility. If a ratepayer defaults on the payment plan,
the utility may disconnect service
after providing the requisite notice. Termination would be postponed 30 days if adverse effect on a resident's illness or disability;
certification by licensed physician required. |
|
State |
Nevada |
Date-based
|
no |
Protection
Dates |
|
Temperature-based |
yes |
Temperature |
15° F or below and 105 ° F or above |
Seasonal
Policy |
|
Other |
Disconnection
is delayed for 30 days, with one renewal, if medical emergency.
Customer must pay bill in installments within the next 90 days.
Elderly and handicapped must have 48 hours notice. |
Deferred
Payments |
Disconnection
is delayed if customers agrees to pay bill in installments within
the next 90 days. |
|
State |
New
Hampshire |
Date-based
|
yes |
Protection
Dates |
November 15
- March 31 |
Temperature-based |
no |
Temperature |
|
Seasonal
Policy |
PUC approval is needed to shut-off elderly
65 or older. Disconnect is not allowed unless
arrears are more than $125 for gas non-
heating, $225 for electric non-heating and
more than $450 for gas, electric and steam
heating. During winter period, financial
hardship customers can restore service with
10% down payment and an arrangement of
10% of the total due each month. Financial
hardship customers can also maintain
service during winter period with an
arrangement of 10% of total due each
month. Must allow customers to pay balance
over next 6 months after winter moratorium. |
Other |
Disconnection is delayed 60 days with certification of medical emergency, may be renewed every 60 days as necessary. Commission approval is required for disconnection to medical emergency customers. |
Deferred
Payments |
No disconnection if customer agrees to
and adheres to payment plan. |
|
State |
New
Jersey |
Date-based
|
yes |
Protection
Dates |
November 15 - March 15 |
Temperature-based |
yes (summer) |
Temperature |
90o F and above |
Seasonal
Policy |
Ban
on disconnection for customers receiving Lifeline, LIHEAP, TANF,
SSI, PAAD or GA or households unable to pay overdue amounts
because of unemployment, medical expenses, or recent death of
spouse. Customers eligible for the Winter Termination Protection
Program are placed on a budget plan and cannot be disconnected
as long as they make good faith payments. During the heating
season, a utility may not ask for a security deposit. "If a customer is eligible for the Winter Termination Program under 14:3-7.12A, and the high temperature is forecast to be 90o or more at any time during the following 48 hours, an electric utility shall not discontinue residential service to a customer for reasons of nonpayment of a delinquent account, failure to pay a cash security deposit or guarantee, or failure to comply with a deferred payment agreement." |
Other |
Disconnection
delayed for up to two months if physician certifies that health
of household member would be adversely affected. Customer must
enter into a payment plan.Cannot disconnect unless the customer owes more than $50 or
more than three months of charges. |
Deferred
Payments |
|
|
State |
New
Mexico |
Date-based
|
yes |
Protection
Dates |
November 15
- March 15 |
Temperature-based |
no |
Temperature |
|
Seasonal
Policy |
A public regulated utility company shall not
disconnect service to a residential customer
for any billing cycle from November 15 through March 15 for
nonpayment if the customer meets the qualifications for the
low-income home energy assistance program and are current on their bills or if they have entered into a payment agreement with their provider and are current on payments under that agreement by Nov. 15. The utility
company shall report the customer's need for assistance to the
human services department and the department shall take
immediate action to mitigate the problem. |
Other |
No
disconnect for seriously or chronically ill if certified by
medical professional or if customer qualifies for assistance
from Human Services, a charitable organization or Medicaid and
if customer agrees to a payment plan. Investor-owned utilities have agreed not to disconnect customers during the moratorium if they are not current on their bills. |
Deferred
Payments |
The utility must attempt to make a payment plan with the customer before termination. Disconnection
is prohibited if customers agrees and adheres to payment plan. |
|
State |
New
York |
Date-based
|
yes |
Protection
Dates |
two-week period encompassing Christmas and New Years |
Temperature-based |
no |
Temperature |
|
Seasonal
Policy |
15
day shut-off protection |
Other |
Prohibits
disconnect if household has life support system; 30 day delay
for certified medical condition, certificates may be renewed
for 60 days if a chronic condition exists. Prohibits disconnect if customer is blind, disabled, or 62 years or older and the remaining household members are 62 years or older, 18 years or under, or blind or disabled unless the utility contacts the household 72 hours prior to termination of service for the purpose of devising a pay plan. If a pay plan cannot be implemented the utility must delay termination for 15 days and request that social services assist in devising a plan. Between Nov 1 - April 15, all customers must be notified 72 hours before disconnection to acertain if the health and safety of a resident will be compromised. Utility cannot disconnect if a customer will suffer a serious health or safety impairment . |
Deferred
Payments |
Utilities
must offer payment plan suited to customer's financial situation. |
|
State |
North
Carolina |
Date-based
|
yes |
Protection
Dates |
November 1 - March 31 |
Temperature-based |
no |
Temperature |
|
Seasonal
Policy |
No
disconnect for elderly, disabled, and customers who are eligible
for the Energy Crisis Assistance Program. |
Other |
|
Deferred
Payments |
Disconnection
is prohibited if customer agrees and adheres to a payment plan. |
|
State |
North
Dakota |
Date-based
|
no |
Protection
Dates |
|
Temperature-based |
no |
Temperature |
|
Seasonal
Policy |
No
disconnect for customers who enter into a payment plan. |
Other |
Utilities
must delay disconnect for 30 days for customers who are age
65 or older, ill, or disabled. |
Deferred
Payments |
|
|
State |
Ohio |
Date-based
|
yes |
Protection
Dates |
October 20, 2008 - April 15, 2009 |
Temperature-based |
no |
Temperature |
|
Seasonal
Policy |
The winter reconnect order is issued on an annual basis by the
Public Utilities Commission of Ohio. The winter reconnect order
allows residential customers who are disconnected or being
threatened with disconnection the opportunity to pay no more than
$175 to maintain their utility service. If the customer´s service has
already been disconnected, the customer must pay a reconnect fee of
no more than $20 to restore. Customers who utilize the Winter
Reconnect Order must enter into an extended payment plan on their
remaining balance. Customers requesting new natural gas or electric
services, who have no previous balance with their utility, may
establish service under the winter reconnect order by paying $175,
rather than paying the required security deposit. Customers may
utilize the winter reconnect order one time from October 20, 2008
through April 15, 2009. |
Other |
30
day disconnect delay if dangerous to health as certified by
a medical professional, may be renewed twice in 12 months. Disconnect is
prohibited if medical or life support equipment is necessary. |
Deferred
Payments |
Disconnection is prohibited for Percentage of Income Plan (PIP) customers as long as they remain current with their PIPP payment. |
|
State |
Oklahoma |
Date-based
|
yes |
Protection
Dates |
November 15
- April 15 |
Temperature-based |
yes |
Temperature |
32° F or below (daytime), 20° F or below (night), or heat index 101° F or higher |
Seasonal
Policy |
No
disconnect if temperatures are 32° F or below during the day, 20° F or below at night or if the predicted heat index is 101° F or greater. 30 day delay and 30 day extension
possible in case of life threatening condition. Commission may
order a ban on all disconnections if severe weather or if dangerous
to health of the customer. |
Other |
Disconnection
may be delayed for 30 days with medical doctor or osteopath
certification of a life-threatening condition or for life support
equipment, certificate may be renewed once. Customer is required
to negotiate a payment plan. Disconnection may be delayed for
20 days if the customer has applied for financial assistance
including SSI. |
Deferred
Payments |
No disconnection if a customer enters
into a deferred payment plan. |
|
State |
Oregon |
Date-based
|
no |
Protection
Dates |
|
Temperature-based |
no |
Temperature |
|
Seasonal
Policy |
|
Other |
A
medical certificate will prevent disconnection up to 6 months
for non-chronic condition, up to 12 months for chronic condition
and requires the customer to set up a payment plan. |
Deferred
Payments |
No
disconnect if customers enters into a deferred payment plan. |
|
State |
Pennsylvania |
Date-based
|
yes |
Protection
Dates |
December 1
- March 31 |
Temperature-based |
no |
Temperature |
|
Seasonal
Policy |
No termination of utility service between protection dates for customers at or below 250% of the Federal poverty level (150% of the Federal poverty level for customers of one specific municipal gas utility). If a household is shut off prior to December 1, the utility must attempt to contact the customer and attempt to negotiate an agreement regarding payment of any arrearages and restoration of service. |
Other |
30 day disconnect delay with medical certificate, may be renewed 2 times. Customer is required to negotiate a payment plan. No utility shall terminate or refuse to restore service if health of household member would be adversely affected, need medical certificate. |
Deferred
Payments |
No
disconnect if customer agrees to payment plan. |
|
State |
Rhode
Island |
Date-based
|
yes |
Protection
Dates |
November 1 - April 30 |
Temperature-based |
yes |
Temperature |
Heat advisory or excessive heat warning |
Seasonal
Policy |
Disconnect
ban for
those who are elderly, handicapped or seriously ill, households with a child under 2 years old, those who are receiving unemployment compensation, federal heating assistance or who qualify as a financial hardship
(75% or less of state median income) or if arrears are less than $500 for primary
source of heat or less than $200 if not primary heat source. No termination if National Weather Service issues a heat advisory or excessive heat warning. |
Other |
21
day disconnect delay if household member is certified as seriously
ill. Customer may request an extension. All residential customers can have power restored with a down payment. Before December 1,
those who owe less than $1,000 pay 20 percent of their arrears and agree to pay the rest over a 18-month period; those owing $1,000 to $2,499 pay 15 percent down and the rest over a 24-month period and those owing $2,500 pay 10 percent over 36 months. After December 1, a payment
between 25 percent and 50 percent of the back balance will be needed to have service restored. |
Deferred
Payments |
Utilities
are required to offer payment plans to customers in danger of
disconnection. |
|
State |
South
Carolina |
Date-based
|
no |
Protection
Dates |
|
Temperature-based |
yes, December 1-March 31 |
Temperature |
Disconnection is suspended when the average forecasted temperature is 32
degrees Fahrenheit or below for a 45-hour period. |
Seasonal
Policy |
30
day shut-off delay for seriously ill with medical certificate,
can be renewed up to 3 times during the winter protection period. |
Other |
|
Deferred
Payments |
Disconnect is prevented if customer
agrees and adheres to payment plan.. |
|
State |
South
Dakota |
Date-based
|
yes |
Protection
Dates |
November 1 - March 31 |
Temperature-based |
no |
Temperature |
|
Seasonal
Policy |
Additional
notice of 30 days. |
Other |
30
day disconnect delay if physician, public health official or
social service official certifies a medical emergency. |
Deferred
Payments |
No
disconnect if customer agrees and adheres to payment plan. |
|
State |
Tennesee |
Date-based
|
no |
Protection
Dates |
|
Temperature-based |
no |
Temperature |
|
Seasonal
Policy |
30 day disconnect delay if physician, public health official or social service official certifies that a household member's health would be adversely affected. Certificates may be renewed 3 times. |
Other |
|
Deferred
Payments |
Utilities
are required to offer a payment plan. |
|
State |
Texas |
Date-based
|
no |
Protection
Dates |
|
Temperature-based |
yes |
Temperature |
32° F or below or during heat advisory for all residential customers |
Seasonal
Policy |
|
Other |
Disconnection will be delayed if detrimental to the health of a resident, must have physician certification. |
Deferred
Payments |
Utilities are required to offer a deferred
payment plan. No disconnect if customer agrees and adheres
to payment plan. |
|
State |
Utah |
Date-based
|
yes |
Protection
Dates |
November 15
- March 15 |
Temperature-based |
no |
Temperature |
|
Seasonal
Policy |
No
disconnect if customer has written statement from utility that
states that a payment plan could not be agreed upon, if applied
for HEAP and Red Cross energy assistance, has an income <125%
FPG, medical emergency or becomes unemployed or income is cut
by 50% or more. During winter moratorium customer must pay at
least 5% of income towards utility costs (10% for electric heat). Regulated utilities are required to waive security deposits for all moratorium clients and HEAT customers during the moratorium. |
Other |
30
day disconnect delay if detrimental to health, must have physician
certification. |
Deferred
Payments |
Utilities
must offer payment plans. |
|
State |
Vermont |
Date-based
|
yes |
Protection
Dates |
November 1 - March 31 |
Temperature-based |
yes |
Temperature |
10° F or below or 32° F or below for elderly |
Seasonal
Policy |
No
disconnect if temperature is less than 10° F or less than 32° F for households
with elderly age 62 or older. |
Other |
30
day disconnect delay if household member's health would be adversely
affected, physician certificate can be renewed twice. Cannot
disconnect if a customer owes less than $50, provided that this
exception may not be used for more than two billing cycles in
one calendar year. |
Deferred
Payments |
No
disconnect if customer agrees and adheres to payment plan. |
|
State |
Virginia |
Date-based
|
no |
Protection
Dates |
|
Temperature-based |
no |
Temperature |
|
Seasonal
Policy |
No
state-mandated policies. Terms and conditions concerning disconnection
shall be set forth in each local distribution company's tariff
approved by the State Corporation Commission. |
Other |
|
Deferred
Payments |
|
|
State |
Washington |
Date-based
|
yes |
Protection
Dates |
November 15 - March 15 |
Temperature-based |
no |
Temperature |
|
Seasonal
Policy |
Protection
for hardship customers (<150% FPG) who qualify or apply
for energy assistance and enter payment plan. |
Other |
Disconnection
is delayed for 30 days if a medical emergency exists. Need written certification from doctor, can recertify twice within 120 days; pay 10% of delinquent balance and agree to pay balance within
120 days |
Deferred
Payments |
Disconnection
is prohibited if customer agrees and adheres to a monthly payment during the winter period. The utility may not
require payment of more than seven percent of the customer's monthly
income. In addition, the customer must pay one-twelfth of any billings
from the date application is made through March 15th. If the customer does not pay the past-due bill by the following October 15th, the customer will not be eligible for protections under this section until the past-due bill is paid. |
|
State |
West
Virginia |
Date-based
|
yes |
Protection
Dates |
December 1
- February 28 |
Temperature-based |
no |
Temperature |
|
Seasonal
Policy |
Disconnections
during protection dates are considered detrimental to the health
of the customer's household and are prohibited. |
Other |
Disconnection
is delayed 30 days if the health of a household member is adversely
affected, certified by a physician and can be renewed every
30 days if illness persists. Renewals not needed if physician
certifies that condition is permanent. |
Deferred
Payments |
Service
cannot be disconnected if customer agrees and adheres to payment
plan. |
|
State |
Wisconsin |
Date-based
|
yes |
Protection
Dates |
November 1
- April 15 |
Temperature-based |
yes |
Temperature |
|
Seasonal
Policy |
No disconnect during extreme weather unless last resort after all other legal means of collection have been attempted and only if : 1) income is >250% FPG; health and safety would not be endangered due to presence of elderly, small children, or mentally disabled; and utility has an approved winter disconnection plan on file. (As of 09/2008 no utility has an approved winter disconnection plan on file.) Prohibited when heat advisory from the National Weather Service is in effect. |
Other |
21
day delay if physician, social services, public health or law
enforcement officer certifies to medical or protective services
(elderly, infants, disabled etc.) emergency. Customer must agree
to payment plan. |
Deferred
Payments |
Protection
for customers entering payment plans; special notice and links
to assistance agencies. |
|
State |
Wyoming |
Date-based
|
yes |
Protection
Dates |
November 1
- April 30 |
Temperature-based |
yes |
Temperature |
Disconnection only if
above freezing. |
Seasonal
Policy |
Temperature-based
restrictions if unable to pay and has exhausted available assistance
or is actively seeking assistance, or can pay, but only in installments. |
Other |
15 day disconnect delay if physician certifies that a household
member is disabled or seriously ill. 30 day delay if a household
member is on life support equipment, customer must enter into
payment plan. |
Deferred
Payments |
Disconnections
are prohibited if customer agrees and adheres to payment plan. |
|