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Can your utility service be shut off in cold weather?
Can the utility shut off your electricity and gas during the winter months if you do not pay your bill? The short answer is yes, but there are some restrictions.
Winter protections:
From November 1 to March 31, there are some rules to protect customers in cold weather. However, there is no rule that stops shut offs just because it’s winter.
- No service shut offs are allowed on days when the forecast at 6 AM shows the temperature will be 32°F or below in your area, in the next 72 hours.
- For gas service, this rule only applies in hot weather if you use gas to cool your home and have told the gas company about it.
Service can’t be shut off for small bills:
- The utility cannot turn off your service if your gas or electricity bill is $200 or less.
- They also can’t shut it off if your combined gas and electricity bill is $300 or less.
If you feel you have been wrongly shut off, you can consider filing a complaint against your utility company with the Public Service Commission, Consumer Affairs Division.
Click here to file a complaint if you believe your service was wrongly terminated.
Click here to read more about these winter weather rules.
Click here to watch a video about these winter weather rules. (Skip to the 5-minute mark.)
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If you or anyone in your home has a serious illness or uses medical equipment, you may be eligible for a Public Service Commission Medical Certification Form. The Medical Certification Form states that the termination of your utility service would aggravate an existing serious illness or would prevent you from using your important medical equipment. This form must be signed by a physician, nurse practitioner, or a physician assistant and then sent to the utility company to have on file.
Having a signed Medical Certification Form on file with the utility has several benefits. The key is that the utility must know about the medical illness before any service termination.
Click here to watch this 10-minute webinar on what a Medical Certification Form is, its benefits, and how to get one on file with your utility company.
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Despite the best of intentions and careful planning, you may find yourself facing a financial challenge when you least expect it. A furlough, layoff, illness, or emergency can crop up suddenly. Life can be full of surprises for veterans and military families, so, when faced with unexpected expenses or loss of income, what can you do to keep yourself afloat and your finances on track?
The Federal Trade Commission has put together a guide to help navigate these tough times. Click here to read their guide.
The Department of Veterans' Affairs (VA) has a website that lists the wide range of benefits available for veterans and their families. Click here to learn more about VA benefits.
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In addition to our work in the courts and in front of regulatory bodies, we also offer informational webinars on a variety of topics that impact you and your utility bill.
In the new year, what would you like our office to put more information out about?
Email your ideas to opc@maryland.gov
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Need help getting your 2025 health coverage? The Maryland Health Connection is offering free, in-person assistance near you.
For enrollment events, don't forget to bring these items:
- Birth dates for each household member applying for coverage
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Social Security numbers or document numbers for each household member applying for coverage, if they have an SSN or other document number
- Employer and income information for everyone in your household (including pay stubs, W-2 forms or tax forms)
- Citizenship or immigration information for anyone applying for coverage
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Information about any job-related health insurance available to your household
Click here to find an in-person enrollment event near you.
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For questions or assistance, contact Brandi Nieland, Director of Consumer Assistance at brandi.nieland@maryland.gov. |
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Your People's Counsel is David S. Lapp. Our team is here to help and advocate for you. We represent Maryland residential customers before the Public Service Commission and federal agencies, and we provide you assistance dealing with your utility issues, including affordable and reliable service.
To see what OPC is currently working on, click here for our recent press releases or click here for our media coverage.
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