Can an NC utility company turn off your power during a cold snap? What you need to know
Winter is officially here, which means you’ll likely have to crank up the heat in your house to stay warm at some point in the next few weeks. But what if a utility company shuts your power off?
Utility companies can institute rolling blackouts to reduce strain on the power grid, like those that occurred on Christmas Eve 2022 when record-low temperatures and an increased demand for heat led to more than 100,000 Duke Energy customers in the Charlotte area losing power, The Charlotte Observer reported.
For some North Carolina residents, there are protections in place to prevent utility disconnections during winter and spring, and utility companies must follow protocols before shutting your power off.
Here’s what to know about state laws regarding utilities in extreme weather events.
Can NC utility companies turn your power off during freezing weather?
North Carolina has no laws preventing utility companies from disconnecting your power during extreme weather events.
However, according to the N.C. Department of Justice, utility companies cannot disconnect service to households during the colder months (November-March) that include someone 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?
According to the NCDOJ, there are rules utility companies must follow before shutting off your power:
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 must keep a list of households with residents with special needs, such as being on life support equipment, the NCDOJ said.
For those concerned about elderly relatives, many utility companies, like Duke Energy, offer third-party notification programs where customers can designate another person to receive a copy of utility termination notices.
This story was originally published December 25, 2024 at 9:42 AM with the headline "Can an NC utility company turn off your power during a cold snap? What you need to know."
