Title: What Happens & What to Do About Unpaid Utilities | Fiscal Tiger
Headings: What to Do if You Can’t Pay Your Water or Electricity Bill
What to Do if You Can’t Pay Your Water or Electricity Bill
Dayton Uttinger
Table of Contents
Can Utilities Shut Off My Service?
How Long Before They Shut Off Electricity?
How Long Before They Shut Off Water?
Rights and Protections From Disconnection
Can Your Utilities Be Shut Off in Winter?
COVID-19 Utility Protections
How to Prevent a Water or Electricity Utility Shut Off
Contact the Utility Company
Ask for a Payment Plan
Lower Utility Bills
Social Resources for Utility Assistance
Declaring Bankruptcy to Prevent a Utility Shut Off
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Content: Can Your Utilities Be Shut Off in Winter? Consumer protection laws and regulations for utility disconnection differ from state to state. In general, it is often illegal for a utility company to disconnect service under certain weather conditions, or during a specific time frame — such as the winter months. It is important to know your state protection and disconnection laws if you fear that your utilities may be shut off in the winter months. COVID-19 Utility Protections
If you are experiencing financial hardship from the impact of coronavirus, you may seek federal assistance or assistance from your own utility company through the CARES Act . Some states have suspended disconnections for everyone, while others are only suspending disconnections for low-income and senior households. COVID-19 disconnection suspensions are state-regulated and may change often, so it is important to keep up to date with changes for your state and utility. How to Prevent a Water or Electricity Utility Shut Off
If you have unpaid utility bills or fear that you will not be able to make your utility payments, there are a few options to consider. Failing to pay your utility bills may not only cause your services to be discontinued, but missed payments may also appear on your VantageScore credit report, which could be damaging to your credit score . The debt accrued from missed payments may be sent to a debt collections agency, which could further affect your credit score and your future financial health.