A utility may shut off your service for any of the following reasons:

• You don’t pay a deposit by the due date;
• You fail to pay an entire past due bill or security deposit;
• You don’t pay an installment on a deferred payment  arrangement;
• You don’t pay a deposit required because of Payment Avoidance by Location; 
• You tamper with the lines or the equipment;
• The residence is unsafe;
• You are stealing service; or
• You don’t allow the company to have access to the meter.

A utility company must give you written notification before it can shut off any services. This written notification must be on red paper. It must also be separate from any bills. The notice must be mailed by US mail or hand delivered. The shut off may not happen until at least 10 days from the sending or delivery of the notice to the customer. 

If 45 days have passed without the utility company shutting off the utility, then they must send you a new notice. This time the utility company must contact you at least 48 hours before the shut off. The utility must call again within 24 hours of the shut off if the utility was not able to reach:

• you,
• someone in your household, or
• leave a message with an answering machine. 

Don’t wait until you are shut off to take action. Once you’ve been disconnected, the utility is not required to offer any payment plan. In fact, they have the right to demand payment in full, plus fees and a deposit.

If you owe a small amount you may be able to reach a payment plan. For a larger amount, you may want to apply for LIHEAP (energy assistance) or consult an attorney for a possible bankruptcy.