Having your natural gas shut off is more than an inconvenience — it can mean no heat, no hot water, and no cooking. If your gas has been disconnected or you've received a shutoff notice, here's what you need to know about your rights, how to get reconnected, and programs that can help.
Immediate Steps After Gas Shutoff
If You've Already Been Disconnected:
- Don't panic — reconnection is usually possible within 24-48 hours
- Don't try to restore service yourself — this is illegal and extremely dangerous
- Call your gas company immediately — ask what's needed to reconnect
- Ask about partial payment — most states don't require full balance payment
- Request medical priority — if elderly, disabled, or children are in the home
- Call 211 — for emergency heating assistance if it's cold
- Apply for emergency LIHEAP — crisis assistance can be processed in 24-48 hours
Safety Concerns
- If you smell gas at any time, leave immediately and call 911
- Never use ovens, stoves, or space heaters as primary heating sources
- Carbon monoxide poisoning risk increases with improper heating alternatives
- Contact local emergency services if temperatures are dangerous
Your Rights Before Disconnection
Required Notice Period (Varies by State)
| Notice Requirement | States |
|---|---|
| 10+ days written notice | CA, NY, IL, OH, PA, MI, NJ |
| 14+ days written notice | MA, CT, MN, WI |
| 5-7 days written notice | GA, FL, TX, VA |
What the Notice Must Include
- Amount owed and due date
- Date service will be disconnected
- Your right to a payment arrangement
- How to dispute the bill
- Contact info for your state's utility commission
- Information about assistance programs
Before Shutoff, Your Gas Company Must:
- Send written disconnection notice (by mail)
- Offer a payment arrangement or deferred payment plan
- Attempt to contact you (phone or in person) close to disconnect date
- Inform you of assistance programs
- Not disconnect on weekends, holidays, or (in many states) Fridays
Winter Moratorium Protections
States with Strong Winter Gas Shutoff Moratoriums
| State | Moratorium Period | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Connecticut | Nov 1 - May 1 | All residential customers |
| Massachusetts | Nov 15 - Mar 15 | Extended for hardship |
| New York | Nov 1 - Apr 15 | Cold weather protection |
| Pennsylvania | Dec 1 - Mar 31 | Income-based (below 250% FPL) |
| Illinois | Nov 1 - Mar 31 | All residential |
| Michigan | Nov 1 - Mar 31 | All residential |
| Ohio | Oct 1 - Apr 15 | PIPP-eligible customers |
| Minnesota | Oct 15 - Apr 15 | All residential |
| Wisconsin | Nov 1 - Apr 15 | All residential |
| New Jersey | Nov 15 - Mar 15 | All residential |
States with LIMITED or NO Moratorium
- Georgia, Florida, Texas, Arizona, Nevada, Tennessee
- These states may have extreme weather rules (e.g., no shutoff below 32°F) but no formal moratorium
How to Get Reconnected
Step 1: Contact Your Gas Company
Call customer service and ask:
- What is the minimum payment to restore service?
- What payment plan options are available?
- What is the reconnection fee?
- How soon can service be restored?
- Can the reconnection fee be waived or added to a payment plan?
Step 2: Partial Payment or Arrangement
In most states, you do NOT need to pay the full balance to get reconnected:
- 25-50% down payment on the past-due balance is typical
- Reconnection fee: $25-$150 (varies by company and state)
- Deposit: May be required if previously waived
- Payment plan: Remaining balance spread over 6-12 months
Step 3: Schedule Reconnection
- Someone 18+ MUST be home during reconnection (safety requirement)
- Technician will relight pilot lights and check for leaks
- Service typically restored within 24-48 hours of payment
- Some states require same-day reconnection if payment is before noon
Step 4: Apply for Assistance
Even after reconnection, apply for ongoing help:
- LIHEAP crisis assistance (can help pay reconnection costs)
- Utility hardship programs (arrearage forgiveness)
- State-specific programs (PIPP in Ohio, CARE in California)
- Weatherization (reduce future bills)
Reconnection Cost Comparison
| Gas Company | Reconnection Fee | Typical Down Payment Required |
|---|---|---|
| Nicor Gas (IL) | $52 | 25% of balance + current bill |
| National Fuel (NY/PA) | $47 | 50% or payment plan |
| SoCalGas (CA) | $19 | Payment arrangement required |
| Columbia Gas (OH/PA) | $36 | 25% or PIPP enrollment |
| CenterPoint (MN/IN) | $40-$75 | Varies by state rules |
| Peoples Gas (IL) | $52 | 25% of balance |
| Atmos Energy (Multi) | $50-$100 | Full past-due or arrangement |
| PECO Gas (PA) | $38 | 25-50% of balance |
Filing a Complaint
If your gas company violated rules or refuses reasonable reconnection:
- Document everything: dates, names, what was said
- File with your state Public Utility Commission:
- IL: ICC (800-524-0795)
- NY: PSC (800-342-3377)
- OH: PUCO (800-686-7826)
- PA: PUC (800-692-7380)
- CA: CPUC (800-649-7570)
- MI: MPSC (800-292-9555)
- State the violation: improper notice, denial of payment plan, moratorium violation
- Request specific relief: reconnection, payment arrangement, fee waiver
Quick Checklist
- [ ] Call gas company immediately — ask about reconnection requirements
- [ ] Ask about partial payment options (don't assume full balance needed)
- [ ] Apply for LIHEAP crisis assistance (24-48 hour processing)
- [ ] Check if winter moratorium applies in your state
- [ ] Request medical priority if elderly/disabled/children in home
- [ ] Schedule reconnection — ensure adult 18+ is home
- [ ] File regulatory complaint if rights were violated
- [ ] Apply for ongoing assistance to prevent future shutoff
- [ ] Never attempt to reconnect gas yourself (illegal and dangerous)
Bottom Line
Gas disconnection is stressful but usually reversible within 24-48 hours. You rarely need to pay the full balance — most states require companies to accept partial payment with a plan for the rest. Know your winter moratorium dates, apply for crisis LIHEAP immediately, and file a regulatory complaint if your gas company isn't following the rules. Your state's utility commission is a powerful ally.
Sources
- LIHEAP Clearinghouse: liheapch.acf.hhs.gov
- National Energy Assistance Referral: 866-674-6327
- United Way 211: 211.org
- State utility commission directories: naruc.org/about-naruc/regulatory-commissions
