Winter has officially arrived, which means you’ll most likely have to turn up the heat in your home to stay warm at some time in the coming weeks. But what if the utility provider turns off your power?
Utility companies can implement rolling blackouts to reduce strain on the power grid, as seen on Christmas Eve 2022, when record-low temperatures and increased demand for heat caused more than 100,000 Duke Energy customers in the Charlotte area to lose power, according to The Charlotte Observer.
Some North Carolina homeowners are protected from utility disconnections during the winter and spring, and utility providers are required to follow regulations before turning off your power.
Here’s what you should know about state regulations regarding utilities during extreme weather occurrences.
Can North Carolina utility companies switch off your power during frigid weather?
There are no restrictions in North Carolina that ban utility providers from disconnecting electricity during extreme weather occurrences.
However, according to the N.C. Department of Justice, utility companies cannot discontinue service to houses containing someone who:
- Is disabled or 65 years of age or older
- Are unable to pay their utility bills under an installment plan
- Are certified by a local social service agency as eligible to receive assistance under an energy assistance program
What has to happen before your utilities are shut off?
According to the NCDOJ, utility companies must follow certain procedures before switching off your power:
- You must be given a specific number of days to pay your bill.
- If your payment is late, utility companies must give you a written notice at least 10 days before disconnecting your service.
- Your power cannot be disconnected on Fridays, weekends, holidays or the day before a holiday.
According to the NCDOJ, utility companies must maintain a list of houses with individuals who have special requirements, such as those who require life support equipment.
For consumers concerned about aging relatives, many utility companies, such as Duke Energy, provide third-party notification services that allow customers to choose another person to get a copy of utility termination notifications.
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