How to Stop a Power Shutoff This Winter: State-by-State Moratorium Guide

Complete guide to winter utility shutoff moratoriums by state, including dates, eligibility, payment caps, and how to use them to keep your power on.

Last edited on May 16, 2026

7 min read

How to Stop a Power Shutoff This Winter: State-by-State Moratorium Guide

Losing power in winter is not just uncomfortable. It is dangerous. Frozen pipes, no heating, spoiled medication, and health emergencies are real risks when electricity or gas service is disconnected during cold months.

That is why most states prohibit utility companies from shutting off residential service during winter. These rules are called winter moratoriums, and they can keep your power on even if you owe thousands of dollars.

But winter moratoriums are not the same everywhere. Some states protect all residential customers automatically. Others only protect low-income households or seniors. Some have no formal moratorium at all. This guide breaks down exactly what protections are available in your state and how to use them.

How winter moratoriums work

A winter moratorium is a state-mandated period during which utility companies cannot disconnect residential heating service. During this time:

Your utility cannot shut off your power or gas for nonpayment
You may qualify for reduced down payments on payment plans
Assistance programs often have additional funding available
Reconnection may be available at reduced cost if you were already disconnected

The moratorium does not erase your debt. You still owe the balance, and the utility can resume disconnection proceedings when the moratorium ends. The moratorium gives you time to set up a payment plan, apply for assistance, and stabilize your situation.

State-by-state moratorium dates and protections

Illinois

Dates: December 1 through March 31
Who is protected: All residential heating customers
Payment cap: Winter DPA down payments capped at 10 percent of past-due balance
Plan length: At least 4 months to pay
Utility: ComEd (electric), Nicor Gas, Peoples Gas, Ameren Illinois
Regulator: Illinois Commerce Commission — 800-524-0795

New York

Dates: November 1 through April 15
Who is protected: All residential customers, with additional protections for elderly and low-income households
Key protection: Service cannot be disconnected while a PSC complaint is pending (year-round)
Emergency line: 800-342-3355 for imminent shutoffs
Utility: Con Edison, National Grid, NYSEG, Central Hudson
Regulator: Department of Public Service — 800-342-3377

Massachusetts

Dates: October 27 through April 1 (2025-2026 season)
Who is protected: Residential customers who demonstrate financial hardship
Key protection: Utilities cannot shut off heating service during the moratorium period
Utility: Eversource, National Grid, Unitil
Regulator: Department of Public Utilities

New Jersey

Dates: November 15 through March 15
Who is protected: Qualifying residential customers
Coverage: Electric, gas, water, and sewer services
Utility: PSE&G, JCP&L, Atlantic City Electric
Regulator: Board of Public Utilities

Ohio

Dates: October through April (Special Reconnect Order period)
Who is protected: All electric and natural gas customers of PUCO-regulated utilities
Reconnection cost: Just $175 to reconnect regardless of total balance owed
Payment plans: One-Ninth Plan (9 months), One-Sixth Plan (6 months), Winter Heating Season Plan (one-third of balance monthly Nov 1-Apr 15)
Utility: AEP Ohio, FirstEnergy (Ohio Edison, CEI, Toledo Edison), Duke Energy Ohio
Regulator: Public Utilities Commission of Ohio — 800-686-7826

Minnesota

Dates: October 1 through April 30
Who is protected: Customers who establish and maintain a payment plan
Income protection: Customers earning at or below 50 percent of state median income cannot be charged more than 10 percent of monthly household income for heating
Utility: Xcel Energy, Minnesota Energy Resources, Otter Tail
Regulator: Public Utilities Commission

Wisconsin

Dates: November 1 through April 15
Who is protected: All residential heating customers
Key rule: Utilities cannot disconnect residential heating services for nonpayment during the moratorium
Utility: We Energies, Alliant Energy, Wisconsin Public Service, Madison Gas & Electric
Regulator: Public Service Commission of Wisconsin

Michigan

Dates: November 1 through March 31
Who is protected: Seniors are protected regardless of income; other customers have additional protections
Utility: DTE Energy, Consumers Energy
Regulator: Michigan Public Service Commission

Pennsylvania

Dates: December 1 through March 31
Who is protected: Low-income customers
Utility: PECO, PPL, Duquesne Light, First Energy (Met-Ed, Penelec)
Regulator: PA Public Utility Commission — 800-692-7380

Connecticut

Dates: November 1 through May 1
Who is protected: Hardship customers who notify the utility of their inability to pay
Utility: Eversource, United Illuminating
Regulator: Public Utilities Regulatory Authority

States without winter moratoriums

Some states do not have formal winter shutoff moratoriums:

Texas: No seasonal moratorium, but utilities cannot disconnect during declared extreme weather emergencies. The PUCT can issue emergency orders during severe cold events.
Florida: No winter moratorium. Florida's mild climate means heating disconnection is less of a safety concern, but summer cooling is critical. Some advocates have pushed for summer protections.
Arizona: No statewide moratorium. Some utilities have voluntary extreme heat policies during summer.
Georgia: No statewide winter moratorium.
Nevada: No formal moratorium, but some customer protections exist during extreme weather.

If you live in a state without a moratorium, your best protection is to set up a payment plan before disconnection and file a regulator complaint if the utility refuses to work with you.

What to do before the moratorium ends

The moratorium protects you temporarily, but your balance will still be due. Use the moratorium period to:

Set up a payment arrangement with your utility while you have leverage
Apply for LIHEAP — funding is often most available during winter months
Check for utility hardship programs — most large utilities have their own grant programs
Get a medical certificate if anyone in your household requires electricity for medical equipment
Contact your state regulator if the utility is not cooperating
Budget for catch-up payments so you are not hit with the full balance when the moratorium lifts

How to use Pine during a winter shutoff crisis

When you are facing a utility shutoff or trying to get reconnected during winter, Pine can help by:

Calling the utility on your behalf to request a DPA or winter payment plan
Filing a complaint with your state utility regulator
Navigating the LIHEAP application process
Identifying all assistance programs you qualify for

The combination of knowing your state's moratorium rules and having Pine handle the calls and filings can resolve a shutoff crisis faster than doing it alone.

Quick reference: Winter moratorium dates

State	Start	End	Key Benefit
Minnesota	Oct 1	Apr 30	Longest protection; income-based payment cap
Massachusetts	Oct 27	Apr 1	Hardship-based protection
Ohio	Oct 13	Apr 15	$175 reconnect regardless of balance
New York	Nov 1	Apr 15	Complaint blocks shutoff year-round
Wisconsin	Nov 1	Apr 15	All residential heating customers
Michigan	Nov 1	Mar 31	Seniors protected regardless of income
New Jersey	Nov 15	Mar 15	Covers electric, gas, water, sewer
Illinois	Dec 1	Mar 31	10% down payment cap
Pennsylvania	Dec 1	Mar 31	Low-income customers
Connecticut	Nov 1	May 1	Hardship-based protection

Bottom line

Winter moratoriums exist because losing heat in cold weather is a health and safety emergency. If you are behind on your utility bill and winter is approaching, check your state's moratorium dates, set up a payment plan while you have protection, and apply for every assistance program available. The moratorium gives you time. Use it.