Cold Weather Shut-Offs Can Happen

Cold comes and wind blows, and keeping the heat on seems like a basic need. However, many are surprised to learn utility companies can disconnect service even in the darkness and chill of winter. After all, they had read online and heard from friends that electricity cannot be turned off in the winter or cannot happen because a person is disabled, a veteran, or other special need; but this misinformation does not serve anybody well. While shut-offs during freezing weather seem harsh, there are legal reasons they are allowed; but help is available for those struggling to pay.

Utilities like electric, natural gas operate, and water in some places, are regulated by public utility commissions or legislatures. In most states, including Alaska, disconnection is permitted year-round if customers fall far behind on bills. The utilities themselves must maintain infrastructure and staff to operate and be able to pay their own bills. Without timely payments from customers, they would face financial troubles too.

However, laws also aim to balance customer needs with business requirements. Utilities are typically required to provide notice well before disconnection and give customers options to establish payment plans. This is usually done with multiple phone calls and multiple mailed letters warning of impending disconnect. They will also email you if they know your email address. Only after exhausting these steps can shut-off occur.

So, what should you do if facing disconnection? What can you do if you are unable to pay mounting bills as temperatures plummet? The most important step is communication: contact your utility provider immediately to set up a payment arrangement.

Do not wait until the tech is at your front door to explain the situation you find yourself in. Explain how you got into the honestly and pay what you reasonably can. They cannot just forgive an overdue bill, but many utilities also have programs to help qualifying customers with past balances or ongoing costs.

Beyond your utility company, search online or call local community action agencies and charities. Keywords like "utility assistance" paired with your city/county often yield programs that can cover past due balances in full. State and federal energy assistance through programs like is another option, providing grants to help with gas, electric or bulk fuel bills. If you attend a local house of worship, they may be able to assist through faith-based charities.

For the most updated list of resources available, call Connect Mat-Su which is based locally. They can be reached at 907-373-2628. Connect Mat-Su is an excellent source of information for many quality of life hardships. The primary hub partners are LINKS/ADRC, Help Me Grow, R.O.C.K Mat-Su, and United Way Mat-Su.

If income is limited, consider applying for other public benefits. Programs like TANF, SNAP, Medicaid, or subsidized housing all help meet basic needs and free up funds for utilities. You can contact your state's utility consumer advocate or public utilities commission, too, if you think the utility is being too unreasonable.

Just because you received the notice of disconnect, that doesn’t mean it’s too late to stop it. Communicate your need, educate yourself of resources, and start contacting providers and local assistance resources. Explain your situation clearly and honestly. Have documentation like income statements ready. In the long run, weatherization and energy efficiency upgrades can provide lasting savings. From insulation to thermostat programs, rebates may help offset costs.

The utility companies do not want to turn off your utilities; but they need to protect their operations and the investments of the other members of the utility.