(WKYT) Today’s Good Question comes from a viewer who asks, “Does Kentucky have a winter utility shutoff moratorium?”
There is no blanket law in Kentucky keeping utilities from cutting off service during the winter. But there are protections built in for some people, and companies may work with customers to help them stay warm.
What Kentucky regulations require
Kentucky regulations say a gas or electric utility has to wait at least 30 days beyond the termination date if the Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services certifies in writing that the customer is eligible for the cabinet’s energy assistance program, or if the customer’s household income is at or below 130% of the poverty level, and the customer presents the certificate to the utility.
That protection goes into effect Nov. 1 through March 31. The customer has to pay what they can and agree to a payment plan.
Winter Hardship Reconnection
There is also a program called the Winter Hardship Reconnection. It follows similar timeline rules. It also requires customers to pay one-third of their outstanding bill or $200, whichever is less, and agree to a repayment schedule.
What utility companies say
It may not need to go that far. Columbia Gas has a repayment plan they refer customers to. A Kentucky Utilities spokesperson said the company does not perform disconnections for non-payment during freezing, cold weather.
The protections in place in Kentucky do not go into effect for about another month.
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