Electricity shut off laws pa. Understand the laws, forms, and your next steps.

Electricity shut off laws pa org Make sure to include the following in your voicemail or email message: (1) Your first and last name. Mar 28, 2023 · Winter Terminations in Pennsylvania Between December 1 st and March 31 st, utilities governed by the PUC cannot shut off service to income-eligible households for non-payment of bills unless the utility receives permission from the PUC. Department of Energy via Flickr Spotlight PA is an Jan 18, 2024 · Pennsylvania lawmakers have until the end of 2024 to reauthorize a key area of state law that protects low-income utility customers from sudden shut-offs when behind on their bills, and some are taking advantage of the deadline to push for new consumer protections. Oct 31, 2025 · IF YOU have complaints about utility service, or if the company decides to shut off your service, or if the company refuses to give you service, Public Utility Commission (PUC) rules may protect you. PULP is a specialized component of Regional Housing Legal Services, and is based in Harrisburg the state capital of Pennsylvania. Millions of American homeowners and renters face this reality every day. Feb 21, 2025 · Though the PA PUC is managing payments for non-paying utility customers, problems remain. But the state’s ban on shutoffs for low-income customers during the winter months and other protections will continue uninterrupted. Utility companies have to give ratepayers advance notice of shut-offs and allow individuals to submit a doctor’s note to block a shut-off. Courtesy U. Apr 14, 2006 · AN ACT Requiring State and local approval for terminations or transfers by municipal authorities; authorizing and requiring cities, boroughs, townships, municipal authorities and public utility companies engaged in the supplying of water to shut off the supply of water for nonpayment of sewer, sewerage or sewage treatment rentals, rates or charges imposed by municipal authorities organized by Mar 28, 2023 · #CallUtilitiesNow – PUC Urges Consumers to Contact Utilities About Payment of Past-Due or High Bills as Annual Winter Utility Termination Moratorium Ends on March 31, 2023 Published on 3/28/2023 Filed under: Electric Gas Water and Wastewater Utilities Can Provide Consumers with Multiple Options to Address Past-Due Balances, Manage Utility Bills and Avoid Spring Terminations HARRISBURG AN ACT Providing for notice and the right to cure landlord's default to avoid the termination of utility service to tenants. Nov 6, 2025 · Electric, Gas, Water (Regulated Utilities) If all residents of your home are age 65 and over, your electricity or gas cannot be shut off without permission from the Department of Public Utilities (DPU). No matter who is responsible to pay for the utilities, a utility company cannot… Responsible Utility Customer Protection Act In 2014, The General Assembly passed and the Governor signed House Bill 939/Act 155 of 2014, to reauthorize the 10-year-old “Responsible Utility Customer Protection Act,” Chapter 14 of the Public Utility Code for another 10 years. For more details and consumer referrals, see state disconnect narratives. “Chapter 14 ” is a 20-year law that bans companies from turning off utilities for low-incom… Understand your consumer rights and responsibilities when it comes to your electricity bill. If you have received a utility shut off notice, or have experienced a utility shut off, CLS advocates can identify the best way to prevent shut off or restore service. (2) Your telephone number. Understand your rights and safeguards. Dec 3, 2024 · The soon-to-lapse law bans companies from shutting off low-income customers’ utilities during the winter. Jan 21, 2024 · Pennsylvania lawmakers have until the end of 2024 to reauthorize a key area of state law that protects low-income utility customers from sudden shut-offs when behind on their bills, and some are ta… Dec 3, 2024 · Spotlight PA is an independent, nonpartisan, and nonprofit newsroom producing investigative and public-service journalism that holds power to account and drives positive change in Pennsylvania… Residential service may be shut-off, after proper notice, Monday through Thursday, 8:00 a. Apr 1, 2024 · How We Can Help CLS’s Energy Unit is dedicated to making sure all people have affordable heat, electricity and water service in their homes. She advocated for including a summer moratorium on shut-offs, in addition to the existing winter one, because of the health impacts of excessive heat. This may include electric, natural gas or heat-related water service. Seasonal Termination Protection Regulations Note: These policies may not apply to all utilities in a given state. Dec 16, 2024 · A safety net intended to protect lower income residents of Pennsylvania is set to expire, but the PUC has reaffirmed their commitment to consumer protections. The shoulder season when energy prices tend to be lowest runs from the end of September to Thanksgiving. Jan 17, 2024 · The Pennsylvania legislature must reauthorize a law that shields people from winter utility shut-offs before the end of the year. For further information, contact the Public Write PA Public Utility Commission Bureau of Consumer Services P. Responsible Utility Customer Protection Act In 2014, The General Assembly passed and the Governor signed House Bill 939/Act 155 of 2014, to reauthorize the 10-year-old “Responsible Utility Customer Protection Act,” Chapter 14 of the Public Utility Code for another 10 years. Sep 18, 2020 · Find a Lower Electricity Rate Now The moratorium remains in place and utility companies can’t shut off your electricity. m. Box 3265 Harrisburg, PA 17105-3265 Between December 1st and March 31st, most eligible households cannot have electric, natural gas or heat-related water service turned off due to unpaid bills because of an annual winter moratorium. The winter moratorium is an annual period of protection against utility service shut off. Rules Governing Termination, Reconnections, Payments, Cash Deposits Protections for Responsible Utility Customers Fact Sheet The fact sheet explains the changes to the rules that apply to cash deposits; reconnection of service; termination of service; payment arrangements and the filing of termination complaints by electric, gas and water consumers. Advocates say it’s not strong enough. Most are. Utility disconnection rules - list of consumer protections by state when it comes to turning off utilities. Dec 19, 2024 · Learn why PA's winter shut off law was not renewed and how it could drive up PA utility rates for all electric customers instead. No matter who is responsible to pay for the utilities, a utility company cannot cut off service without the following: Dec 12, 2024 · HARRISBURG, Pa. Act 201: Responsible Utility Customer Protection Act The Responsible Utility Customer Protection Act, Chapter 14 of the Public Utility Code, protects responsible bill-paying customers from rate increases atributable to other customers’ delinquencies in payment. Chapter 14 in Pennsylvania law prevents utility companies from turning off customers power during the winter months. This guide highlights your rights relating to your utility’s billing, credit, dispute, and shutoff practices. Call: 1-844-645-2500 Email: utilityhotline@pautilitylawproject. Prevent shut off of utility service. If you are experiencing financial hardship and one of the following applies, your electric or gas cannot be shut off without permission from What to do if your electricity is disconnected If you're at risk of an electricity shut-off, you're not alone. We would like to show you a description here but the site won’t allow us. Mar 18, 2022 · If a customer’s service is shut off, the utility must provide a notice indicating why the service was shut off and what steps the customer can take to restore their service. Nov 3, 2025 · They apply where the landlord is the one responsible for the payment of the utility bills. Mar 23, 2021 · HARRISBURG—The moratorium on utility shutoffs expires at the end of the month, leaving more than 1 million Pennsylvania households at risk of losing their electricity, gas, water and telephone Jan 19, 2024 · Utility Shut-Off Protections in PA Would be Expanded to Summer Months Under Bill The legislature must reauthorize a law that shields people from winter utility shut-offs before the end of the year. Apr 22, 2020 · Who We Are The Pennsylvania Utility Law Project (PULP) provides information, assistance, and advice about residential utility and energy matters affecting low-income consumers. It has implications on both consumers and utility owners. These services include electricity, gas, or heat-related water services and the moratorium applies to those with an income at or below 250% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL). S. Why do lawmakers change the utility law? How will it impact consumers and utility owners? Radio Catskill’s Jason Dole spoke with Stephen Caruso, Capitol Reporter For Spotlight PA. The PA Public Utility Commission addresses utility laws and regulations in a way that balances the needs of consumers and utilities. The Act provides public utilities with collection mechanisms and procedures that promote timelier collections, while protecting Feb 3, 2025 · She noted that in 2024, over 352,000 Pennsylvania households had one of their utilities shut off according to data from the Pennsylvania Utility Law Project, a 15% increase from the previous year. Dec 4, 2024 · (WHTM) — A Pennsylvania law to protect residents during the coldest time of year is expiring. Learn why PA needs its winter shut off law reactivated and how further delay could increase your gas and electricity bills. Aug 6, 2025 · Consumer Law When Can Utilities Not Be Shut Off in Pennsylvania? Discover the specific conditions under Pennsylvania law that prevent utility service disconnection. It blocks utility termination of low income customers of regulated utility companies from December 1st through March 31st. The law, enacted in 2004 and Utilities Utility Shut-Offs If you receive notice that your utilities will be shut off, you need to act quickly to protect your rights. Jan 19, 2024 · Can Pennsylvania utility companies shut off services during the winter? In Pennsylvania, service providers can remove access to critical utilities under certain circumstances, but some protections 2 days ago · HARRISBURG - Pennsylvania lawmakers have until the end of 2024 to reauthorize a key area of state law that protects low-income utility customers from sudden shut-offs when behind on their bills, and s Dec 3, 2024 · State lawmakers ended the legislative session without reauthorizing a 20-year-old consumer protection law that bans companies from shutting off low-income customers’ utilities during the winter. Jan 19, 2024 · Harrisburg, Pa. But it’s still important to consider electricity rates. Feb 9, 2025 · The Pennsylvania Utility Law Project reported that 352,533 households across the state faced a gas or electric shutoff in 2024 — a 15% increase from 2023. Dec 12, 2024 · HARRISBURG — The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission maintained protections that lawmakers allowed to lapse, adopting a policy statement that will prevent residential service terminations this winter for low-income customers. It is more difficult to get service turned back on after a shut off. O. Jan 21, 2024 · It would also create a moratorium on utility shut-offs during July and August, expand existing protections to water customers, require utilities to pre-screen customers for payment assistance programs, and give the state Public Utility Commission more flexibility to create longer-term payment plans for customers behind on their bills. The new law revised some Chapter 14 provisions related to low-income programs, Protection from Abuse Orders and Jul 22, 2025 · Learn electricity shut-off laws across the US, including reasons for disconnection, required notices, and how to get help. That’s spurred a debate between consumer advocates and utilities about Oct 2, 2024 · The Pennsylvania Legislature has until the end of the year to reauthorize the state's utility customer protection law. (4) A brief description of what utility problem you are having, including whether your service is currently on or shut off. As a residential utility customer, you have many important rights and responsibilities to ensure fair dealings between you and your utility company. Understand the laws, forms, and your next steps. — As temperatures outside drop, Pennsylvania's Public Utility Commission (PUC) is taking action to protect families from having their utilities shut off during the coldest months. In general, municipal utilities and rural electric cooperatives are not regulated and the policies do not apply to them. But the state’s ban on shutoffs for low-income customers Jan 17, 2024 · The Pennsylvania legislature is debating expanding winter utility shut-off protections to summer months, but some utility companies oppose the change. A utility may not shut-off residential service on Friday, Saturday, Sunday or a holiday or the day before a holiday or if a valid medical emergency exists in your household. — Pennsylvania lawmakers have until the end of 2024 to reauthorize a key area of state law that protects low-income utility customers from sudden shut-offs when behind on their bills, and some are taking advantage of the deadline to push for new consumer protections. This guide highlights your rights relating to your utility’s billing, credit, dispute, and shutof practices. The utility is required to notify the tenants and the landlord in advance of a shut-off resulting because the landlord has not paid the bill. This is true only if your utility company is covered by the PUC. Jan 29, 2025 · State senators began work this week to reenact a law that barred utility companies from cutting off service to customers in the winter, regardless of their ability to pay. Jan 18, 2024 · The legislature must reauthorize a law that shields people from winter utility shut-offs before the end of the year. Get help with a disconnection or shut off notice from your utility company. Jun 21, 2025 · Learn your rights as a Pennsylvania renter if your landlord threatens to shut off electricity for non-payment. 31. In general, municipal utilities, rural electric cooperatives and deliverable fuel providers are not regulated by PUCs/PSCs. That’s spurred a debate between consumer advocates and utilities about additional protections. Most states have laws, rules, and regulations in place that determine when an electric, gas, or heating utility company may disconnect a customer’s service. Some of the primary programs that can stop utilities from being shut off Nov 6, 2025 · Liz Marx, director of the Pennsylvania Utility Law Project, worries about families whose utility service is currently shut off who are counting on LIHEAP to restore services. Low income customers, people with a medical issue, seniors and others can get emergency help from a number of different sources to either delay, or prevent, electric, heat, or lights from being disconnected. The rules may prevent a shut off during the winter or summer months and there are also protections for people with medical issues Jan 18, 2024 · Spotlight PA is an independent, nonpartisan, and nonprofit newsroom producing investigative and public-service journalism that holds power to account and drives positive change in Pennsylvania Nov 12, 2020 · Many of the constituents that PEA serves may be affected by news that beginning November 9, 2020, utility companies in Pennsylvania are allowed to shut off non-paying customers’ electricity, gas and water due to non-payment, with certain restrictions. A Pennsylvania law that lays out how and when utility companies can shut off customers’ electricity, gas or water expires Dec. to 4:00 p. Public Utility Commissions (PUCs) and Public Service Commissions (PSCs) are charged with regulating utility companies and with ensuring that the utility companies provide their services at a reasonable price. Jan 23, 2024 · Pennsylvania lawmakers are restructuring the utility law for the first time in the decade. Jan 19, 2024 · The legislature must reauthorize a law that shields people from winter utility shut-offs before the end of the year. Although . Customer Assistance Programs Electric, gas and some Jan 18, 2024 · The legislature must reauthorize a law that shields people from winter utility shut-offs before the end of the year. If you receive notice that utilities will be shut off at the rental property, you need to act quickly to protect your rights. Dec 6, 2024 · The law was designed to make it easier for utility companies to reclaim unpaid bills while increasing consumer protections. Municipally owned, rural electric and regulated public utilities are each covered by one of these laws. There are exceptions to winter termination rules, including if the utility suspects fraud Dec 3, 2024 · PA lawmakers haven’t reauthorized a consumer protection law that bans companies from shutting off low-income customers’ utilities during the winter. The new law revised some Chapter 14 provisions related to low-income programs, Protection from Abuse Orders and Dec 27, 2024 · A Pennsylvania law that lays out how and when utility companies can shut off customers’ electricity, gas or water expires Dec. PULP serves all of Pennsylvania. It is more difficult to get service turned back on after shut off. * This pamphlet deals only with utility companies covered by the PUC. PULP acts in coordination with the Pennsylvania Legal Dec 9, 2024 · First passed in 2004, the law was designed to make it easier for utility companies to reclaim unpaid bills while increasing consumer protections. Get details from the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission. 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