Title: Utility and heating disconnection laws
Headings: Consumer protection laws and regulations on heating and utility disconnections.
Consumer protection laws and regulations on heating and utility disconnections.
What to do if illegal electric, heat, water, or power disconnection

Content: Utilities must offer payment plans of 10% down payment. Also, during summer months public utilities cannot turn off gas or electricity when the temperature forecast for the following 24 hours includes temperature at or above 95°F. Utility cannot disconnect during protection dates unless it has offered a deferred payment plan and informed the customer of available government or other energy assistance funds. The state laws also call for a 30 day delay if a physician certifies that disconnect would adversely affect the health of a household member. Indiana - Prohibits utilities from disconnecting electric or natural gas service for nonpayment of bills from December 1 to March 15 if the customer qualifies for public assistance, whether or not the customer actually receives the benefit. In addition, another law prevents the disconnection for financial hardship if the customer pays the lesser of $10 or 10% of the overdue utility or heating bill, if the customer agrees to pay the remainder within three months and agrees to pay all undisputed future bills when due. Last, a regulation 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 individual. Iowa - State law calls for a 30 day delay if physician certifies that disconnection would adversely affect the health of a household member. Another program calls for disconnection for all residential customers when <20° F. LIHEAP-certified customers have complete protection from the shut off of their service from Nov. 1 through March 31 regardless of temperature. In addition, the local utility must offer payment plan after moratorium.