Since winter has officially arrived, you will probably need to turn up the heat in your house in order to stay warm throughout the next several weeks. However, what happens if your power is cut off by the utility company?
As seen on Christmas Eve 2022, when record-low temperatures and rising demand for heat led to over 100,000 Duke Energy customers in the Charlotte area losing power, utility companies can use rolling blackouts to lessen the burden on the electrical grid, according to The Charlotte Observer.
Utility companies must abide by rules before cutting off your electricity, and some homes in North Carolina are protected from utility disconnections in the winter and spring.
Here are some things you should be aware of about state laws pertaining to utilities during severe weather events.
Can utility providers in North Carolina turn off your electricity when it gets too cold?In North Carolina, there are no laws prohibiting utility companies from cutting off power during severe weather events.
However, the N.C. Department of Justice states that utility providers are not allowed to cut off service to homes where there is a person who:
- Is disabled or 65 years of age or older
- Are unable to pay their utility bills under an installment plan
- Are certified by a local social service agency as eligible to receive assistance under an energy assistance program
What has to happen before your utilities are shut off?
The NCDOJ states that utility companies must adhere to specific protocols prior to turning off your electricity:
- You must be given a specific number of days to pay your bill.
- If your payment is late, utility companies must give you a written notice at least 10 days before disconnecting your service.
- Your power cannot be disconnected on Fridays, weekends, holidays or the day before a holiday.
Utility companies are required to keep a registry of homes with people who have special needs, like those who need life support equipment, according to the NCDOJ.
Many utility companies, including Duke Energy, offer third-party notification services that let customers choose another individual to get copies of utility termination notifications for customers who are worried about elderly family members.
Ask the North Carolina Service Journalism Team.
Would you like an answer to a question you have about your community? Or perhaps you have a story idea or tip to share? The Charlotte Observer and The News & Observer’s service journalism teams would be interested in speaking with you.
- If you have a question about the Charlotte area , send The Charlotte Observer team a question by submitting questions to this form .
- If you have a question about Raleigh or a Triangle area community, send The News & Observer team a question by submitting questions to this form .
Source
Note: Every piece of content is rigorously reviewed by our team of experienced writers and editors to ensure its accuracy. Our writers use credible sources and adhere to strict fact-checking protocols to verify all claims and data before publication. If an error is identified, we promptly correct it and strive for transparency in all updates, feel free to reach out to us via email. We appreciate your trust and support!
Eliot Pierce is a dedicated writer for ChiefsFocus.com, covering local crime and finance news. With a keen eye for detail and a passion for storytelling, Eliot aims to provide his readers with clear and insightful analysis, helping them navigate the complexities of their financial lives while staying informed about important local events. His commitment to delivering accurate and engaging content makes him a valuable resource for the community.