Utilities & Essential-Service Protections

UTILITIES & ESSENTIAL-SERVICE PROTECTIONS

Utility Shutoff Protections

Notice Before Shutoff

Essential utilities should not disconnect service without meaningful advance notice except in emergencies involving safety or fraud.

Extreme Weather

Electricity, water, or essential heating service should not ordinarily be disconnected during dangerous heat or cold where doing so creates a serious health risk.

Medical Hardship

Customers with documented serious medical needs should have access to emergency protections and reasonable payment arrangements.

Payment Plans

Before disconnection for ordinary nonpayment, utilities should offer reasonable payment-plan options where feasible.

Emergency Restoration

Where an unsafe disconnection has occurred, there should be procedures for rapid emergency restoration.

Remote Disconnect Safety

Automated or remote utility-disconnection systems should not remove human accountability from decisions that may endanger life or health.

Utility Shutoffs

An essential utility must provide at least 10 days' written notice before ordinary nonpayment disconnection and must offer a reasonable payment arrangement. Disconnection is prohibited during a declared dangerous heat or cold period and while a documented medical emergency protection is active. Wrongful or unsafe disconnection requires restoration as soon as practicable and no later than 24 hours after notice, unless a physical safety condition prevents reconnection.

Related policies: Consumer Rights; Energy; Cost of Living & Economic Security; Housing, Homeownership & HOA Reform.

Status: Proposed / Draft — not yet formally adopted.

Originally published: August 15, 2026.

Last updated: September 25, 2026.

Version: Draft 0.1.