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Can They Shut Off Your Heat in Winter? Shutoff Rules, Discount Rates, and Bill Help

By CalculateBenefits Editorial Team · Mark Phaneuf, Publisher
AI-assisted source check: September 29, 2026. What these dates mean.

Yes, in some cases. Many states limit heat shutoffs in the cold months, but not all. The rules depend on your state, the date, the weather, your health, and your income.

A pause also does not wipe out what you owe. Your best step is to call your gas or power company before the shutoff date.

Can they shut off your heat in the winter?

It depends on where you live. The LIHEAP Clearinghouse tracks state rules on a federal website. It says 42 states have cold weather shutoff rules. That count includes Washington, D.C.

But these rules have limits:

• They mostly cover gas and power companies that the state oversees.
• City-owned utilities and rural electric co-ops often do not have to follow them.
• Oil, propane, and wood dealers often do not have to follow them either.
• Your bill keeps adding up during the pause.
• If you still owe when the rule ends, a shutoff can happen then.

In Massachusetts, a gas or power company needs state approval to shut off a home where everyone is 65 or older.

What months can utilities not be shut off?

There is no one national date. Each state sets its own rules. Some use dates on the calendar. Some use the weather. A common line is 32 degrees or colder. Here are three examples:

To find your own state's rule, use the LIHEAP Clearinghouse state list. It also lists the phone number for your state's utility board. Rules can change, so check each fall.

Can a doctor's note stop a shutoff?

It may delay one. The Clearinghouse says 44 states have rules to prevent shutoffs for people at high risk. These often cover someone who is very sick. Some states also protect older adults or people with disabilities.

In Pennsylvania, a doctor or certain other licensed health workers can send a letter. It says a shutoff would harm a sick person in the home. The first note can last up to 30 days. It can be extended up to 60 more days.

You still need to pay your bill during that time. Ask your utility if it has a form for this. Send it fast, and keep a copy.

How do you stop a utility shutoff?

Act before the date on your shutoff notice. Take these steps:

1. Call the utility. Use the number on your bill.
2. Ask for a payment plan. In Minnesota, the utility must offer a plan that is reasonable for your household. In Pennsylvania, it must offer at least one plan.
3. Ask about budget billing. It spreads your yearly cost so each monthly bill is about the same. The company may change the amount during the year. You still pay for all the energy you use. At the end of the budget year, you may owe more or get a credit.
4. Apply for LIHEAP. See the next section.
5. Name a helper. Some states let you pick a family member or friend to get copies of your shutoff notices. Minnesota and Pennsylvania do. The helper does not have to pay the bill.
6. Call your state utility board. Do this if you and the utility cannot agree.

Keep every promise in your plan. In Minnesota, if you miss payments, the utility does not have to set up a new plan until the next cold weather season.

Does my utility company have a low income discount?

It may. Some utilities have a lower rate for homes with low income. The names differ. Call and ask, "Do you have a low-income discount or bill help program?"

California example. The CARE program takes 20% off the gas bill. At large power companies, it takes 30% to 35% off the electric bill. Smaller ones take 20% off. At PG&E, SCE, and SDG&E, a program called FERA takes 18% off the electric bill. It is for some families who earn a bit too much for CARE.

For 1 or 2 people, the CARE income limit is $43,280 a year. That limit runs from June 1, 2026, to May 31, 2027. Homes that get SNAP, Medi-Cal, SSI, WIC, or LIHEAP may also qualify. Get the form from your utility.

Pennsylvania example. These are called Customer Assistance Programs, or CAPs. The state says a CAP can lower your monthly bill. It may also cut or remove what you already owe.

Programs differ by state and by company. Ask, even if you think the answer is no.

How can I get help paying my electric bill?

You can try more than one kind of help.

• LIHEAP. This federal program can help pay heating bills, stop a shutoff, or turn service back on. States and tribes run it. They must offer crisis help through at least March 15. Tell them if you have a shutoff notice. Read our guide on how to apply for LIHEAP.
• Utility hardship funds. Some utilities have a fund that gives grants toward bills. Pennsylvania says these funds help people who "fall through the cracks" of other programs.
• Dollar Energy Fund. This charity works with some utilities in 18 states, such as Ohio, Pennsylvania, Texas, and California. Start by calling your utility. You need a copy of your bill and proof of income for everyone in the home.

Dollar Energy Fund may also ask for proof that you tried to pay in the last 90 days. Grants go out first come, first served while money lasts. The grant goes straight to your utility account. It can take 4 to 6 weeks to show up. Keep paying your bill while you wait. Its help line is 1-888-282-6816.

Free home fixes can also lower future bills. See our weatherization guide.

What if you heat with oil or propane?

Shutoff rules often do not cover oil, propane, or wood. Massachusetts, for one, says it has no set legal protections for these fuels. But the state says dealers are often willing to work with people in a hard spot. Call your dealer early.

In Minnesota, propane dealers must offer budget billing. There, if your furnace needs power to run, ask the electric company about cold weather protection too.

LIHEAP helps with home heating costs. Ask your local office if it can help with fuel.

How do you spot a shutoff scam?

Scammers may call and say your power will be cut off today unless you pay now. The FTC says real utilities won't demand fast payment to stop a same-day shutoff.

Never pay anyone who demands a gift card, wire transfer, crypto, or payment app. Hang up. Call the number on your real bill.

LIHEAP does not charge a fee. Do not pay anyone to apply for you. CalculateBenefits is not a government site, and it does not run these programs. Behind on water too? Read our guide to water bill help.

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