State Energy Assistance & Lifeline

Shut Off Protection

The Utility Moratorium Protection Program protects eligible households from winter utility shut off. A household can be approved for moratorium protection only one time per utility per program year. The moratorium is provided only by utility companies that are regulated by the Public Service Commission (PSC). PSC Regulated Utilities

Moratorium protection lasts from November 15 through the following March 15. However, the State HEAT Program has the option of beginning it earlier or extending it later when severe weather conditions warrant such action.

The Moratorium Applicant Requirements

• Be the adult residential account holder, spouse, or adult resident applying for service.
• Live at the address of the service needing the protection of the moratorium.
• Have a termination notice from the utility company or have been refused service if the utility is not active.
• Have applied for HEAT.
• Have applied for utility assistance through the American Red Cross (ARC) if you meet their criteria.  ARC only helps people over 60, disabled, or with a disabled child in the home. 
• Make a good faith effort to pay utility bill consistently during the moratorium.

In addition, applicants must meet at least one of the following criteria:

• Gross household income in the month prior to the month of the moratorium application qualifies the household for HEAT assistance.
• Have suffered a medical or other emergency in either the month of application or the month prior to the month of application.
• Loss of employment in either the month of application or the month prior to the month of application.
• 50% drop in income in either the month of application or the month prior to the month of application.

To apply for the Moratorium, contact your nearest HEAT Office.