Every summer, Americans face a dangerous situation: massive electricity bills from air conditioning combined with the threat of shutoff during the hottest, most dangerous days. Heat kills more people annually than any other weather event — making summer utility protections literally life-saving.
The Deadly Stakes of Summer Shutoffs
Key facts:
- Heat causes approximately 1,220 deaths per year in the US (CDC)
- Extreme heat hospitalizations cost $1 billion+ annually
- Elderly, children, and those with chronic illness are most vulnerable
- Indoor temperatures can exceed 100°F within hours of losing AC
- Heat-related illness can begin at indoor temps of 80°F for vulnerable populations
State-by-State Summer Shutoff Rules
States with FORMAL Heat Protections
| State | Rule | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Arizona | June 1 - October 15 moratorium | Residential customers cannot be disconnected |
| Texas | During NWS heat advisories | No disconnections when advisory is active |
| California | Extreme heat events | No disconnections when temps forecast 100°F+ |
| Nevada | June 1 - October 15 (seniors) | 60+ cannot be disconnected in summer |
| Illinois | When temps exceed 95°F | No disconnections on days above 95°F |
| Arkansas | When temps forecast 95°F+ | Must postpone disconnection |
| Oklahoma | Extreme weather policy | Informal moratorium during extreme heat |
| New Mexico | Extreme heat protection | Cannot disconnect during heat warnings |
| Colorado | During extreme weather | No disconnections during advisories |
States with INFORMAL/VOLUNTARY Heat Policies
Many utilities voluntarily pause disconnections during extreme heat without state mandates:
- Georgia Power: voluntarily pauses above 100°F
- Duke Energy (SE): temporary pauses during heat events
- Florida Power: typically pauses during heat advisories
- Entergy (South): pauses during NWS excessive heat warnings
- Southern Company: generally pauses during extreme events
States with NO Summer Protection
- Many northeastern states (rely on winter moratoriums only)
- Some midwestern states without formal heat rules
- Enforcement varies — even without rules, many utilities pause voluntarily
Arizona: Strongest Summer Protection
Arizona's rules (set by the Arizona Corporation Commission) are the most comprehensive:
- Dates: June 1 through October 15 — no disconnections
- Applies to: All regulated electric and gas utilities
- No income requirement: Protects ALL residential customers
- Cannot require full payment: Must offer payment plans during moratorium
- Must reconnect: If disconnected before June 1, utility must reconnect for moratorium
Arizona-Specific Steps
- If facing shutoff in April/May: request extension to June 1 moratorium start
- If already disconnected before June: request reconnection under moratorium rules
- Contact ACC if utility violates: 800-222-7000 or azcc.gov
- Apply for LIHEAP cooling assistance through your CAA
Texas Heat Advisory Rules
Texas PUCT rules prohibit disconnection when:
- A heat advisory is issued by the National Weather Service for your area
- This applies to ALL retail electric providers
- Disconnection cannot occur during the advisory or the day following
Key Texas Limitations
- Protection only lasts during the official advisory
- Once advisory lifts, disconnection can proceed the next business day
- No blanket summer moratorium (date-based) — only event-based
- Must still meet all other notice requirements (10-day written notice)
Summer Cooling Assistance Programs
Federal: LIHEAP Cooling Assistance
- Available May through September in most states
- Separate allocation from winter heating assistance
- Helps pay electric bills during summer
- Crisis cooling assistance for emergencies
- Apply through same Community Action Agencies as winter LIHEAP
State Cooling Programs
| State | Program | Benefit |
|---|---|---|
| Arizona | Energy Assistance | Up to $500 for summer cooling |
| California | CARE | 30-35% off year-round (covers summer) |
| Texas | CEAP (Comprehensive Energy) | Summer cooling payments |
| Florida | LIHEAP Cooling | Up to $300 for summer AC costs |
| Nevada | Energy Assistance | Summer cooling allocation |
| Oklahoma | Summer Emergency | One-time cooling payment |
Utility Summer Programs
Many utilities offer summer-specific assistance:
- AC repair/replacement programs for low-income
- Free fan distribution programs
- Bill credits during heat events
- Extended payment plans for summer peaks
- Budget billing to spread summer costs across the year
Protecting Yourself During Summer
Before the Heat
- Enroll in budget billing — avoids summer bill spikes
- Apply for CARE/discount programs — reduces every bill including summer
- Get weatherization — insulation reduces AC costs
- Service your AC — efficient systems cost less to run
- Apply for LIHEAP cooling — opens May in most states
During a Heat Event
- Check for heat advisory — protections may be active
- Call your utility — ask if disconnections are paused
- Apply for crisis assistance — processed quickly during emergencies
- Know cooling centers — libraries, community centers, malls
- Contact 211 — for emergency cooling resources
If Shut Off During Heat
- Call utility immediately — cite heat protections if applicable
- File emergency complaint with your state utility commission
- Call 211 — emergency cooling center locations
- Go to a cooling center — do not stay in a home without AC in extreme heat
- Call 911 — if experiencing heat-related symptoms
- Document violation — if disconnection occurred during protected period
Energy-Saving Tips to Reduce Summer Bills
- Set thermostat to 78°F when home, higher when away (saves 3-5% per degree)
- Use ceiling fans (uses 90% less energy than AC)
- Close blinds on south/west-facing windows during afternoon
- Run dishwasher, laundry, and dryer at night (off-peak)
- Check for air leaks around windows and doors
- Change AC filter monthly (dirty filters increase costs 5-15%)
- Use a programmable or smart thermostat
Quick Checklist
- [ ] Know your state's summer shutoff protections
- [ ] Enroll in budget billing before summer starts
- [ ] Apply for LIHEAP cooling assistance (opens May)
- [ ] Apply for utility discount programs (CARE, LITE-UP, etc.)
- [ ] Get AC serviced before summer
- [ ] Know your nearest cooling center locations
- [ ] If facing shutoff: check for active heat advisory
- [ ] File complaint with state PUC if shut off during protected period
- [ ] Call 211 for emergency cooling assistance
- [ ] Submit medical certificate if anyone is heat-vulnerable
Bottom Line
Summer utility shutoffs during extreme heat can be life-threatening. Know your state's protections — Arizona's June-October moratorium is the gold standard, while Texas only protects during active heat advisories. Apply for cooling assistance before summer hits, enroll in budget billing to avoid bill spikes, and know your local cooling center locations as a backup. If shut off during a protected period, file an immediate complaint with your state utility commission.
Sources
- CDC Heat-Related Deaths: cdc.gov/heat-health
- Arizona Corporation Commission: azcc.gov (800-222-7000)
- Texas PUCT: puc.texas.gov (888-782-8477)
- LIHEAP Cooling: liheapch.acf.hhs.gov
- National Weather Service Heat Safety: weather.gov/safety/heat
