After the stress of a utility shutoff, the reconnection fee adds insult to injury — you already owe a past-due balance and now they want $25-$250 just to flip the switch back on. But these fees are often negotiable, waivable, or regulated by your state. Here's how to minimize what you pay.
Typical Reconnection Fees by Utility
| Utility | Standard Fee | After-Hours/Same-Day |
|---|---|---|
| ComEd (IL) | $52 | $82 (after hours) |
| Georgia Power | $50 | $100 (same-day) |
| PG&E (CA) | $19 | $32 (same-day) |
| Duke Energy | $38-$50 | $75-$100 |
| Con Edison (NY) | $26 | $52 (same-day) |
| FPL (FL) | $35 | $75 (after hours) |
| DTE (MI) | $40 | $65 |
| TXU/Oncor (TX) | $42 | $67 |
| Dominion (VA) | $35 | $55 |
| National Grid (NY/MA) | $28-$45 | $50-$80 |
| AEP (multi-state) | $35-$75 | $75-$150 |
| PSE&G (NJ) | $30 | $50 |
When Reconnection Fees Can Be Waived
Automatic Waivers (You May Already Qualify)
- Low-income program enrollment: Customers in LIHEAP, CARE, PIPP, or utility hardship programs often get fees waived
- Billing error caused the shutoff: If the utility made a mistake, reconnection must be free
- Improper shutoff: If disconnection violated state rules (no proper notice, moratorium period)
- First-time disconnection: Some utilities waive for first occurrence
- Medical certificate on file: Many states waive reconnection fees for medical customers
Request-Based Waivers (Ask and You Might Receive)
- Financial hardship: Explain your situation and ask for a waiver
- Supervisor escalation: First-line reps often can't waive; supervisors can
- Payment plan inclusion: Add the fee to your plan instead of paying upfront
- Long-term customer loyalty: Some utilities have discretionary waivers for loyal customers
- Senior/disability status: Even without formal programs, many utilities accommodate
State Regulations on Reconnection Fees
States That Cap Fees
| State | Cap/Rule |
|---|---|
| California | Capped at $19-$32 by CPUC |
| New York | Cannot exceed actual cost of reconnection |
| Illinois | Capped by ICC; must waive for low-income |
| New Jersey | BPU requires fee be "reasonable and cost-based" |
| Ohio | PUCO regulates; waived for PIPP customers |
| Michigan | MPSC caps fees; waived with medical certificate |
| Pennsylvania | PUC caps; must waive if shutoff was improper |
States That Require Fee Waivers for Low-Income
- California (CARE customers)
- Ohio (PIPP customers)
- Illinois (LIHEAP recipients)
- New York (utility assistance program enrollees)
- Massachusetts (DPU-ordered hardship cases)
Deposits vs. Reconnection Fees
After a shutoff, you may face BOTH:
| Charge | Purpose | Amount | Refundable? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Reconnection fee | Cost to restore service | $25-$150 | No |
| Security deposit | Guarantee against future non-payment | $100-$500 | Yes (after 12-24 months on-time) |
How to Reduce or Avoid Deposits
- Ask about alternatives: automatic payment enrollment, budget billing, or a co-signer
- Some states prohibit deposits for low-income or elderly customers
- LIHEAP/hardship program enrollment may waive deposit requirement
- Request to pay deposit in installments (most utilities will accommodate)
Script for Calling Your Utility
When calling about reconnection fees, try:
Opening: "I'd like to discuss the reconnection fee on my account. I'm in a financial hardship situation and want to explore options for getting this fee waived or included in a payment arrangement."
If denied: "I understand. Can I speak with a supervisor who might have authority to make an exception? I've been a customer for [X years] and this is my first disconnection."
If supervisor also denies: "I'd like to request that the fee be added to my payment plan rather than required upfront. I can have my service restored today if we can arrange that."
Last resort: "I'd like to file a complaint about this fee with [your state utility commission]. Before I do that, is there anything else we can try?"
Step-by-Step: Minimizing Reconnection Costs
- Ask about fee waiver first — cite low-income status, first occurrence, or hardship
- Check if you're enrolled in assistance programs — may qualify for automatic waiver
- Request deposit waiver or installment — don't accept full deposit upfront as a requirement
- Ask to add fees to payment plan — keeps upfront cost minimal
- Verify the fee amount — make sure it matches your state's regulated cap
- Request standard (not same-day) reconnection — saves $20-$100
- File complaint if fee seems excessive — PUC can review
Quick Checklist
- [ ] Ask about reconnection fee waiver (cite hardship, first time, program enrollment)
- [ ] Check if enrolled in LIHEAP/CARE/PIPP (may auto-waive)
- [ ] Request standard reconnection time (cheaper than same-day)
- [ ] Ask if fee can be added to payment plan (not required upfront)
- [ ] Verify fee matches state-regulated cap
- [ ] Ask about deposit waiver or installment payment
- [ ] Escalate to supervisor if first rep denies waiver
- [ ] File PUC complaint if fee seems unreasonable or violates rules
- [ ] Sign up for auto-pay or budget billing to prevent future shutoffs
Bottom Line
Reconnection fees are often the most negotiable part of getting your utility restored. Before paying full price, ask about waivers (low-income, first-time, hardship), adding the fee to your payment plan, and your state's fee cap regulations. A supervisor call can often resolve what a first-line rep cannot. And if your shutoff was improper in the first place, the reconnection should be free.
Sources
- Your state Public Utility Commission (naruc.org)
- National Consumer Law Center utility rights: nclc.org
- 211.org for local utility assistance programs
- Your utility's tariff/rate schedule (public document listing all regulated fees)
