Can a power company shut off your electricity in frigid cold weather? What MS law says
The last few days have been pretty chilly for Mississippi residents, to say the least.
We’ve already seen temperatures dip into the 30s and 40s. According to weather experts, there’s more cold to come, so it’s time to turn up the heat and bundle up.
However, that’s easier said than done for some. Local residents may be struggling to pay electric bills while budgeting for other bills, sky high groceries and gas.
But, if you’re late on your bill, will a utility company really shut off your electricity in these cold temperatures? Here’s what to know.
Is it legal for a utility company to shut off your electricity in cold winter months?
According to the Mississippi Public Service Commission, there’s a “mid-winter” rule that protects residents from getting their electricity cut off from December to April. This means that if you are late on your bill during this time, a utility company can’t shut off your service.
However, you may be required to inform the utility company (in writing) of your inability to pay your bill on time and come up with a payment plan for unpaid balances that works for you.
If you are outside of the winter period and weather is not expected to be below freezing, utility companies are typically required to make a good faith effort to reach you two days before disconnecting your service. This means that they must call you, send you an email or mail a letter warning you of a possible disconnection of services.
Tips for saving energy and money in the winter
Here are some tips from Mississippi Power:
- Set your thermostat to 68° F or lower in the winter.
- Use your ceiling fan on low speed, in a clockwise direction, to force the warm air from the ceiling down to the living space.
- Open your blinds and curtains during daylight hours to help heat your home.
- Check your insulation. Insulation reduces heat flow through your home’s building envelope, lowering your heating and cooling costs. Ensure every part of your house is insulated – attic, floors and walls. We recommend an R-38 value for attic insulation, R-19 for floors and R-13 for walls.
- Seal air leaks. Air leaks are one of homes’ most significant sources of energy loss. Check around plumbing and lighting fixtures, light switches, windows and doors. Use weather stripping on windows and doors that don’t close tightly. Use caulk on small holes and expanding foam on larger areas.
Have more questions about this? Let me know in the comments or email me at cmadden@mcclatchy.com.
