Yes, your electric service can be shut off in the summer. Most states have no seasonal ban on disconnections, and even among the 19 states and Washington, D.C. that pause shutoffs during extreme heat, the protection kicks in only when a specific temperature or weather-alert trigger is met.1LIHEAP Clearinghouse. Disconnect Policies The good news: several tools can delay or prevent a shutoff if you use them before the power goes out.
Which States Pause Shutoffs During Summer Heat
Nineteen states and Washington, D.C. prohibit electric disconnections during periods of extreme heat.1LIHEAP Clearinghouse. Disconnect Policies The triggers vary. Some states set a specific temperature, with 95°F the most common threshold, though a few use 92°F and one uses 105°F. Others tie the moratorium to a National Weather Service heat advisory or excessive heat warning. In a handful of states, the protection covers only certain customers, such as elderly or disabled households.
Two limits matter. First, even in a state with a summer rule, you are protected only on the specific days the trigger is met. If the forecast says 93°F and your state’s threshold is 95°F, the utility can disconnect you that day. Second, roughly 30 states have no summer heat rule at all, meaning the utility’s standard process runs year-round without any seasonal pause.
Before relying on a moratorium, confirm the rule with your state’s public utility commission or public service commission. Those agencies set and enforce disconnection rules and can tell you exactly what applies where you live.
Medical Certificates Can Postpone a Shutoff
If someone in your household has a medical condition that losing power would worsen, a certificate from a licensed physician or other qualified health care provider can postpone disconnection. The certificate needs to state that shutting off electricity would aggravate the condition or create a medical emergency.1LIHEAP Clearinghouse. Disconnect Policies
The length of the postponement depends on your state. It runs as short as 10 days in some places, 21 to 30 days in many others, up to 90 days in a few, and as long as six months where the situation is considered life-threatening.1LIHEAP Clearinghouse. Disconnect Policies Several states allow the certificate to be renewed at least once, and a few allow multiple renewals within a 12-month period.
The certificate buys time. It does not erase the balance. Use the window to arrange payment or apply for aid, because when the certificate expires the utility can resume the shutoff.
Extra Protections for Older Adults and Vulnerable Households
Many states provide additional protections for elderly customers, households with young children, and people with disabilities. These often include longer notice periods, restrictions on when disconnection can occur, and priority consideration for assistance programs.2Administration for Community Living. Protecting Older Adults from Utility Disconnection
Some utilities also run third-party notification programs. You can designate a family member, caseworker, or neighbor to receive a copy of any disconnection notice sent to your account. The third party has no obligation to pay, but they get a warning that service is at risk and can step in.2Administration for Community Living. Protecting Older Adults from Utility Disconnection If you have an elderly parent living alone, enrolling in one of these programs is one of the simplest preventive steps available.
How to Stop a Shutoff Before It Happens
Call the Utility About a Payment Plan
The moment you receive a disconnection notice, call the utility. Most offer payment arrangements that spread your past-due balance over several months while keeping service active. Entering into an agreement typically halts the disconnection process as long as you hold up your end. Miss a payment under the plan and the utility can resume the shutoff with little additional notice, so only agree to terms you can realistically meet.
Apply for LIHEAP Cooling Assistance
The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) is a federally funded program that helps eligible households pay heating and cooling bills or handle energy emergencies.3USA.gov. Get Help with Energy Bills Eligibility is income-based: household income generally cannot exceed 150 percent of the federal poverty guidelines or 60 percent of your state’s median income, whichever is greater.4Office of the Law Revision Counsel. 42 USC 8624 – Applications and Requirements
LIHEAP cooling assistance is available during the summer in many states, though the exact dates vary. Some states open their cooling program as early as April; others don’t start until June or July.5LIHEAP Clearinghouse. State and Territory LIHEAP Program Duration Applications go through local agencies, generally community action organizations. You can find your state’s LIHEAP office and check whether online applications are available through USA.gov.3USA.gov. Get Help with Energy Bills Funds run out, and programs that open in April may be tapped out by August, so apply early.
Ask About an Arrearage Management Program
At least ten states offer arrearage management programs that go beyond a standard payment plan. You commit to paying your current monthly bill on time, and in exchange the utility forgives a portion of your past-due balance each month. A typical structure forgives one-twelfth of the overdue amount for each on-time payment, clearing the balance after a year. These programs are generally limited to low-income customers enrolled in a discount rate or other assistance program. Ask your utility or state commission whether one operates in your area.
Bankruptcy Puts a Short Hold on Utility Service
Filing for bankruptcy triggers an automatic protection for utility service. Under federal law, a utility cannot shut off your electricity, gas, or water solely because you filed for bankruptcy or because you owe a pre-filing balance. This protection lasts 20 days from the date of your bankruptcy petition, or 30 days if you file under Chapter 11.6Office of the Law Revision Counsel. 11 U.S. Code 366 – Utility Service
Within that window, you must provide adequate assurance of payment for future service, usually a deposit. If you don’t, the utility can disconnect you even though the case is pending. It’s not a long-term fix, but it prevents an immediate shutoff while you address your finances.
What to Do If the Power Is Already Off
If your power has already been disconnected, the first step is paying the past-due balance or enough of it to satisfy your utility’s reconnection requirements. Most utilities also charge a reconnection fee, and the amount varies with the utility, the time of day, and whether a technician needs to visit your property. After-hours or weekend reconnections cost more. If you have a history of late payments, the utility may require a new security deposit before restoring service.
Reconnection timelines differ by state and utility. Some jurisdictions require restoration within one business day after payment; others allow up to four calendar days or longer if a crew needs to physically reconnect at the pole or transformer. If you have a valid medical certificate on file, most states require the utility to prioritize your reconnection, sometimes within one business day regardless of the standard timeline.
One more thing. If your service was cut off by mistake, because the utility hit the wrong account or misapplied a payment, you should not have to pay a reconnection fee. Contact the utility and your state’s public utility commission right away if you believe the shutoff was an error.