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Utility Shutoff Protections in 2026: 31 States Have No Summer Rules

Electric bills are climbing in some grid regions, shutoffs are rising at some utilities, and federal energy aid faces a proposed cut. Here is how shutoff protections work, where LIHEAP stands, and who to call before a disconnection notice turns into a dark house.

Behind every headline about power-hungry AI data centers is a quieter number: how many households cannot keep up with the bill. In testimony to the House this spring, the National Energy Assistance Directors Association (NEADA) said federal data show utilities “disconnected electricity service 13.4 million times and natural gas service 1.7 million times in 2024.”

Utility shutoff protections, the state rules that limit when a utility can cut you off, are uneven, and the main federal aid program is facing a proposed elimination. This guide covers what is known as of October 2026 and the calls worth making now, before a notice arrives.

Where it stands: The last federal LIHEAP money for fiscal 2026 has gone out. Boise State Public Radio reported that “more than $421 Million dollars was released to states, tribes and territories on April 23,” and that “this release of funds is the final installment for 2026.” For fiscal 2027, NEADA says “the President’s FY2027 budget proposes to eliminate all federal funding for LIHEAP.”

Why the pressure is building now

Bills are rising faster in some regions than others. In the Philadelphia area, WHYY listed the forces behind PECO’s June increase as “increasing power demand on the regional grid driven by data centers, more widespread use of electricity for cars, heating and manufacturing, and utility investments in infrastructure and extreme weather preparedness.”

The PJM grid’s independent market monitor, Joseph Bowring, argues data centers add more than one kind of cost. Utility Dive reported his view that PJM ratepayers “are paying for higher energy and transmission costs data centers have caused,” on top of capacity charges. Speaking for the industry, the Data Center Coalition has countered that “the data center industry is committed to paying its full cost of service,” and the picture varies a lot from one grid to another.

Shutoffs are a lagging signal of that strain. WHYY reported that from January through April, “PECO shut off electric service to roughly 17,000 customers for missing payments, a more than 14% increase over the same period last year, according to the commission.” NEADA, citing the price index, says “home energy costs are increasing at more than two and a half times the rate of overall inflation.”

How utility shutoff protections work, and where they stop

There is no single national rule. Each state writes its own rules, and what triggers protection, and when, differs from one state to the next.

What NEADA’s research shows Source
19 states plus DC offer some protection for customers behind on payments NEADA report, via Boise State Public Radio
No summer shut-off protections at all: 31 states NEADA report, via Boise State Public Radio
Seasonal rules delay disconnection but the debt remains NEADA House testimony

Two cautions from NEADA are worth taping to the fridge. First, “seasonal moratoriums only delay disconnections and do not eliminate the underlying debt.” When the protected season ends, the balance is still there. Second, “these protections also often do not apply to municipal utilities, electric cooperatives, or delivered fuels such as heating oil and propane.” If your power comes from a city utility or a co-op, ask them directly what rules apply.

On the summer side, the same NEADA research found “31 states have no summer shut-off protections at all,” which the report says leaves “low-income families vulnerable to the dangerous health conditions caused by prolonged exposure to extreme heat.” NEADA’s report also says “several states are moving to increase summer shut-off protections,” so the rules where you live may have changed recently.

Step one: call the utility before the due date

This is the single most useful call, and it works best early. The Georgia Public Service Commission puts it simply: “Many electric, gas, and telephone utility companies offer payment plans to their customers who qualify.” The commission adds that such plans “may allow deferred payment for those who cannot pay their whole bill or delay disconnection for customers trying to pay their bills.”

When you call, have your account number and your last few bills in front of you, and ask about:

  • A payment arrangement that spreads an overdue balance over several bills.
  • Budget billing, which evens out monthly amounts across the year.
  • Hardship or customer assistance programs the utility runs itself. Pennsylvania’s shopping site notes that “from budget billing to hardship funds, there are a number of programs available in Pennsylvania to help with your electric costs,” and many other utilities have similar options.
  • Medical certification, if someone in the home depends on powered medical equipment. Ask whether your state or utility offers extra protection for medical needs and what paperwork it requires.

Get any agreement in writing, and write down the name of the person you spoke to and the date.

Step two: find your state LIHEAP office

The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program is federal money run by states, tribes and territories. The federal Administration for Children and Families says “LIHEAP provides federally funded assistance to reduce the costs associated with home energy bills, energy crises, weatherization, and minor energy-related home repairs.”

It is aimed at specific households. The agency says “LIHEAP benefits target households with low incomes, particularly those that have a high home energy burden (percentage of income that goes to heating and cooling bills) and/or have members who are elderly, disabled, or a young child.”

To find your local office, the federal page offers a phone line: “Or you may call the National Energy Assistance Referral (NEAR) Hotline toll-free at 1-866-674-6327 on weekdays 9:00 am to 7:00 pm (Eastern Time).” You can also search your state’s name plus “LIHEAP” and look for a .gov address. Ask the office about application windows when you call, since timing rules vary by state. Our longer explainer on LIHEAP energy assistance goes through the application basics.

Step three: look beyond LIHEAP

If LIHEAP money runs short where you live, other doors may be open. The Georgia commission notes that “many civic groups, charitable organizations, and churches in local communities provide payment assistance to low income customers.” Local community action agencies, your county social services office and your utility’s own hardship fund are worth a call. Our guide to utility assistance programs by state lists more places to look.

If the bill is high because the rate itself jumped, two more pieces help: checking your price to compare if your state allows supplier shopping, and understanding why data center growth is in the bill debate.

Watch out for LIHEAP scams

Hard times bring fake offers. The federal LIHEAP page is explicit that the program “does not provide direct grants to individuals; LIHEAP does not charge a fee for receiving a benefit.” Anyone asking for a fee to get you a LIHEAP grant is not legitimate. The agency’s instruction: “If you receive a message offering you a LIHEAP grant or requesting a fee, please contact the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Fraud Hotline at 1-800-447-8477.”

On the funding fight itself, NEADA says the proposed FY2027 elimination would cut off “approximately six million low-income households that rely on the program to afford home heating and cooling.” Congress, not the budget proposal, sets the final number.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can my utility shut off my electricity in the summer?

It depends on your state. A NEADA report cited by Boise State Public Radio found that many states have no summer shut-off protections at all, and the rules that do exist differ from state to state. Check your state utility commission website or call the commission consumer line for the rules where you live.

How do I apply for LIHEAP?

LIHEAP is run by states, tribes and territories, not by individuals applying to Washington. Contact your state LIHEAP office, which is often part of the state social services or community action network, or call the National Energy Assistance Referral line listed on the federal LIHEAP page to be pointed to the right office.

Is LIHEAP being eliminated in 2027?

The President proposed eliminating federal LIHEAP funding in the FY2027 budget, according to NEADA testimony to the House. Congress decides the final funding, so the proposal is not the same as a cut. Apply for any help you qualify for now rather than waiting.

Will a payment plan stop a shutoff?

Often it can delay or prevent one if you contact the utility before the shutoff date and keep up with the agreed payments. Terms vary by utility and state, so ask for the arrangement in writing.

Is someone offering me a LIHEAP grant for a fee a scam?

Treat it as one. The federal LIHEAP page says the program does not give direct grants to individuals and does not charge a fee for a benefit, and it lists an HHS fraud hotline for reporting such messages.

Sources

This article is general consumer information, not financial advice. Rates, bills and programs vary by utility and state and change over time; check your own utility and state regulator for current figures.

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