Got a Utility Shutoff Notice? Do These 5 Things Right Now (2026)

A utility shutoff notice doesn't mean your power is getting cut today. It means you have a window — and what you do in that window determines whether your lights stay on.

Here's exactly what to do the moment you receive a shutoff notice.

Step 1: Read the Notice Carefully — You Have More Time Than You Think

Most shutoff notices give you 10 to 30 days before disconnection depending on your state. Some states require a minimum of 15 days notice. Others require two separate notices before a utility can disconnect.

Check your notice for:

• The exact shutoff date — this is your deadline for everything below
• The past-due amount — some programs only need to pay a portion to halt disconnection
• A contact number — call this number first before calling assistance programs

Do not ignore the notice hoping it resolves itself. The clock starts the day the notice is issued.

Step 2: Call Your Utility Company Before You Call Anyone Else

This is the most important and most skipped step. Call the number on your shutoff notice and say exactly this:

"I received a disconnection notice. I'm experiencing financial hardship and I need to know what options are available to prevent shutoff."

Ask specifically about:

Payment arrangements — By law in most states, utilities must offer a payment plan before disconnecting residential service. A plan can split your past-due balance over 3 to 12 months. This costs you nothing upfront and stops the shutoff clock immediately.

Hardship or low-income programs — Most major utilities have customer assistance funds that most customers never ask about. Duke Energy's Share the Warmth, Consumers Energy's CARE program, AEP Ohio's Neighbor to Neighbor — ask your utility directly if they have a customer assistance fund.

Medical baseline protection — If anyone in your household requires electricity for medical equipment — oxygen concentrators, dialysis machines, refrigerated insulin or medication — tell the utility immediately. Most states legally prohibit disconnection of medically necessary accounts or require extended notice periods.

Pending assistance protection — If you have a LIHEAP application pending or have an appointment scheduled with an assistance organization, tell the utility. Most states require utilities to delay disconnection while a LIHEAP application is being processed.

Not sure which programs you qualify for in your area?

Step 3: Know Your State's Shutoff Protection Rules

Every state has consumer protection rules around utility disconnection. These can buy you critical days or weeks:

Cold weather protections — Most states prohibit disconnection during extreme cold. Temperature thresholds vary: in many states utilities cannot disconnect when temperatures are forecast below 32°F. Some states extend this to the entire winter heating season (typically November through March or April).

Heat-related protections — A growing number of states now prohibit disconnection during extreme heat events, particularly for elderly customers and households with young children.

Senior and disability protections — Many states prohibit disconnection of accounts where the primary resident is over 65, disabled, or has a documented serious illness. Some states require a doctor's certificate; others require only self-certification.

Children in the household — Some states prohibit disconnection of accounts where children under a certain age (varies by state, typically under 2 or under 5) live in the household.

To find your state's specific rules, contact your state Public Utilities Commission. Find yours at naruc.org/about-naruc/commissions or call 211 and ask.

Step 4: Apply for Emergency Assistance Simultaneously

While you're working on a payment arrangement with your utility, apply to these programs at the same time — don't wait for one to come through before starting another:

LIHEAP Crisis Intervention — The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program has a crisis track specifically for households with shutoff notices. Tell the LIHEAP office your exact shutoff date when you call — this triggers expedited processing. In many states, crisis LIHEAP can be processed in 24 to 48 hours. Apply at energyhelp.us or call 1-866-674-6327.

The Salvation Army — Energy Assistance Services (EAS) programs pay electric and gas bills directly to your utility. A shutoff notice moves you to the front of the line at most Salvation Army locations. Find your nearest office at salvationarmyusa.org or call 211.

Catholic Charities — Emergency utility assistance is available through 169 member agencies nationwide. Crisis situations with shutoff notices are prioritized. Find your local agency at catholiccharitiesusa.org.

Community Action Agencies — Federally funded nonprofits in nearly every county that administer LIHEAP and often have additional emergency funds. Search "community action agency" + your county name or call 211.

211 — Call or text 211 to get a complete list of every assistance program in your area currently accepting applications. Tell them you have a shutoff notice with a specific date — they can prioritize programs that move fastest.

Step 5: If Your Power Gets Cut Anyway

If disconnection happens before assistance comes through, you still have options:

Reconnection assistance — LIHEAP covers reconnection fees, not just shutoff prevention. The Salvation Army's programs in many states cover reconnection after disconnect. When you call programs, say "my power has already been disconnected" — this often qualifies you for emergency processing.

Same-day reconnection — Some utilities offer same-day reconnection if payment or a payment arrangement is made before a certain time (often 2pm or 3pm). Call your utility the morning after disconnection and ask about same-day reconnection options.

Reconnection fees — Ask your utility to waive or defer the reconnection fee as part of a hardship payment arrangement. Many utilities will do this — but you have to ask.

If you've exhausted local programs and still need bridge funding, short-term personal loans and emergency hardship grants can cover reconnection costs and be matched to your specific income and credit profile.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long do I have after a shutoff notice before my power is cut?

It depends on your state. Most states require a minimum of 10 to 15 days between the shutoff notice and actual disconnection. Some require 30 days or two separate notices. Check your notice for the exact date — that is your hard deadline. If no date is listed, call your utility immediately and ask when disconnection is scheduled.

Can a utility shut off my power in winter?

It depends on your state. Many states have cold weather protection rules that prohibit disconnection when temperatures fall below a certain threshold (typically 32°F) or during the entire winter heating season. Protections vary significantly by state. Call your state Public Utilities Commission or 211 to find out your specific protections.

Will applying for LIHEAP stop my shutoff?

In most states, yes — temporarily. Most states require utilities to delay disconnection while a LIHEAP application is being processed. Tell your utility you have a pending LIHEAP application and ask them to note it on your account. Get the name of the person you spoke with.

What if I can't afford even a partial payment?

Call your utility and explain your situation honestly. Most utilities have financial hardship provisions that allow a zero-down payment arrangement in genuine crisis situations. Ask specifically: "Do you have a financial hardship program for customers who cannot make any upfront payment?" Also apply to LIHEAP and the Salvation Army simultaneously — even a partial grant from one of these programs can satisfy a utility's minimum payment requirement to halt disconnection.

Can I get my shutoff notice removed from my credit report?

A shutoff notice itself doesn't appear on your credit report. However, if the unpaid balance is sent to collections after disconnection, that collection account can appear on your credit report. Preventing disconnection through assistance programs or payment arrangements also prevents the account from going to collections.

Related: Help Paying Electric Bill | LIHEAP Application Guide 2026 | Salvation Army Utility Assistance

Information current as of May 2026. Shutoff protection rules and program availability vary by state and change frequently. Always verify current rules with your state Public Utilities Commission and contact programs directly to confirm availability.