Can your utilities get turned off in winter?

Did you know it may be against the law for your utility company to turn off your utilities in the winter?

If you live in an area that is cold enough to require heat from November 15 through March 15 and you are unable to pay your utility bill, it is illegal for the company to turn off your heat.

Ensure Your Heat Stays On

If you are unable to pay your heating bills and your income is at or below 60% of the state median income for your household, you need to contact your utility company right away.

As soon as you think you may be unable to pay, contact your utility company. Let them know you are having a hard time.

Next, ask them for a “financial hardship” form. They will typically send this by mail, but some may email it. As soon as you get it, fill it out.

It will ask for your address, and you will need to verify your heat source. Sign it, make a copy, and then send the original back to the company. Make sure to do all of this right away.

Once the form has been sent to your utility company, they cannot shut off your utilities between November 15 and March 15. They can only do this if they decide you do not have a financial hardship and do not pay your bill.

Additionally, once you’ve sent in this form and it has been validated, the company can still turn off your heat beginning March 15 if you do not pay the bill.

If you received fuel assistance the previous winter, the utility company cannot turn off your heat prior to January 1 for any reason.

If you need help, call the South Carolina Public Service Authority.