# Your power or gas is about to be shut off: what to do > Call your utility before the shutoff date, using the number on your bill, and ask for a payment plan. Apply for LIHEAP energy assistance through your state or local agency (call 211 to find it). Ask about medical protections if someone depends on power, and cold or hot weather rules in your state. Never pay a caller by gift card or app. - URL: https://explained.page/utility-shutoff-notice - Language: en - Last checked: 2026-10-29 - Watch the 1-minute animated guide: https://explained.page/watch?start=utility-shutoff-notice ## Step by step 1. **Got a shutoff notice for your power or gas?** Don’t wait for the date. There are usually ways to keep the lights on, but you have to ask before the shutoff. 2. **Read the notice.** Find the amount past due, the shutoff date, and the phone number to call. Use the number on your bill, not one from a text or call. 3. **Call the utility and ask for a payment plan.** Many utilities offer plans that spread what you owe over several months, if you call before the shutoff date. 4. **Apply for energy bill help.** LIHEAP is a federal program, run by states and local agencies, that helps pay heating and cooling bills. Call 211 to find where to apply. 5. **Ask about medical protection.** In many states, a doctor’s note for someone who depends on power, like for oxygen, can delay a shutoff. Ask the utility how it works. 6. **Know the weather rules.** Many states limit shutoffs in very cold or very hot weather. Ask your utility or state public utility commission. 7. **Watch out for shutoff scams.** Scammers call saying your power goes off in an hour unless you pay by gift card or app. Hang up and call the number on your bill. 8. **Look it up the right way.** Search with your town or state in the words. Pick the official site: it usually ends in .gov. Skip ads and sites that charge for free forms. ## Checklist - Read the shutoff date and amount - Call before the date - Ask for a payment plan - Apply for LIHEAP (call 211) - Ask about medical and weather protections - Never pay by gift card ## Read the notice Find the amount past due, the shutoff date and the phone number. Use the number on your bill. ## Call before the date Ask for a payment plan that spreads what you owe over several months. Write down who you spoke with and what they agreed to. ## Get help paying - **LIHEAP** is a federal program run by states and local agencies that helps with heating and cooling bills. - Call **211** to find energy help, charities and local programs. - Some utilities have their own discount or hardship programs. Ask. ## Protections - Many states let a doctor’s note delay a shutoff when someone depends on power for medical needs. - Many states limit shutoffs during extreme cold or heat. - Your state public utility commission handles complaints. ## Scams Utilities don’t demand payment by gift card, crypto or app in one hour. Hang up and call the number on your bill. ## Common questions ### How much does it cost to turn power back on after a shutoff? Often you’ll need to pay part or all of the past-due amount, plus a reconnection fee and sometimes a deposit. Asking for help before the shutoff usually costs less. Source page: https://explained.page/utility-shutoff-notice/questions/how-much-does-it-cost-to-turn-power-back-on-after-a-shutoff ### My landlord pays the utilities and didn’t pay. What now? Many states protect tenants in this case. Contact the utility and your local tenant help or legal aid right away. Source page: https://explained.page/utility-shutoff-notice/questions/my-landlord-pays-the-utilities-and-didnt-pay-what-now ### Can my power be shut off in winter? It depends on your state. Many states limit or delay shutoffs during very cold weather, and some during extreme heat. Ask your utility or your state public utility commission. Source page: https://explained.page/utility-shutoff-notice/questions/can-my-power-be-shut-off-in-winter ### How do I apply for LIHEAP? Through your state or local energy assistance agency. Call 211 or search “[your state] LIHEAP” and pick the official .gov site. Bring proof of income and a recent bill. Source page: https://explained.page/utility-shutoff-notice/questions/how-do-i-apply-for-liheap ### Can a doctor’s note stop a utility shutoff? In many states, a medical certificate can delay a shutoff for a period of time when someone in the home has a serious medical need. You still need to set up a plan to pay. Source page: https://explained.page/utility-shutoff-notice/questions/can-a-doctors-note-stop-a-utility-shutoff ### Will a payment plan stop the shutoff? Usually yes, as long as you make the agreed payments. Get the plan confirmed in writing or by email. Source page: https://explained.page/utility-shutoff-notice/questions/will-a-payment-plan-stop-the-shutoff ### How do I know a shutoff call is real? Hang up and call the number on your bill. Real utilities send written notices and don’t demand gift cards, crypto or app payments within the hour. Source page: https://explained.page/utility-shutoff-notice/questions/how-do-i-know-a-shutoff-call-is-real ### What is a public utility commission? A state agency that oversees utility companies. You can file a complaint if you think a shutoff or bill isn’t following the rules. Source page: https://explained.page/utility-shutoff-notice/questions/what-is-a-public-utility-commission ## Official sources - [HHS: LIHEAP energy assistance](https://www.acf.hhs.gov/) - [211: local help near you](https://www.211.org/) - [FTC consumer advice: utility scams](https://consumer.ftc.gov/) To find your local office, search for: - "[your state] LIHEAP apply" - "[your state] public utility commission complaint" --- General information, not legal or professional advice. Rules differ by state. From explained.page (www.explained.page). Life’s stuff, explained simply.