The Winter Power Protection (Moratorium) Program 6/2010
What is the Winter Protection (Moratorium) Program?
The Winter Protection (Moratorium) Program provides eligible households with protection from shut-offs of electric or natural gas service between December 1st and February 28th. This program was established by the Idaho Public Utilities Commission and was approved by the Idaho Legislature. To receive protection from disconnection, a residential customer must declare to the regulated natural gas or electric utility that he or she is unable to pay the utility bill in full and that the household includes children, elderly, or infirm persons. Since cities and cooperatives are not regulated by the Idaho Public Utilities Commission, customers who receive utility service from city governments or cooperatives are not able to receive protection from disconnection under this program.
Who qualifies for winter protection from disconnection?
A residential household that includes children (persons 18 years of age or younger).
A residential household that includes elderly (persons 62 years of age or older).
A residential household that includes an infirm person whose physical health or safety would be seriously impaired by termination of utility service.
While regulated Idaho utility companies cannot terminate service to a household that has declared the need for winter protection (Moratorium) during the months of December, January, and February, the utility can refuse to reinstate service for a customer if there has been a shut off between March 1st and November 30th and the customer owes an undisputed unpaid utility bill.
How can I apply for financial assistance for utilities?
The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) helps eligible households with home heating costs. Low-income households may apply for LIHEAP funds at the Community Action Partnership (CAP) offices in most larger communities in Idaho.
Project Share helps eligible households with heating costs. Low-income households may apply at the local Salvation Army office. In some counties, CAP agencies administer Project Share funds.
County Indigent Funds offices also help eligible households with heating costs. Low-income households may apply at their County Government office.
Get the contact information for utility assistance:
By phone, you can call the 2-1-1 Idaho CareLine by dialing 2-1-1 or 1-800-926-2588 to get the contact information of your local utility assistance programs.