Between November 1 and April 1, regulated utility companies like NorthWestern Energy, Montana-Dakota Utilities, and Energy West must get approval from Montana’s Public Service Commission (PSC) before shutting off utilities for non-payment. The PSC won’t allow utility companies to turn off utilities if:
- The customer’s income is at or below the federal poverty guideline
- The customer is a recipient of a public assistance program like Medicaid or SNAP
- A member of the customer’s household is 62 or older, or
- A member of the customer’s household has a disability.
It is the customer’s responsibility to let the utility company know, prior to utilities being shut off, if any of the above conditions exist in the home. You will likely be asked to provide documentation to the utility.
Companies not regulated by the PSC, like cooperatives and propane distributors, are not required to get PSC approval prior to disconnecting utility service. Those companies have their own procedures to follow for winter terminations.
You can apply for help with paying for your winter heating bills through the Low Income Energy Assistance Program (LIEAP) at your local LIEAP eligibility office or by calling 1-833-317-1080.
Have a dispute with your utility company or have been denied energy assistance? We might be able to help. Montana Legal Services Association (MLSA) assists Montanans with civil legal issues. Apply online at MontanaLawHelp.org or contact our Helpline at 1-800-666-6899, Tuesday through Thursday, from 9am to 1pm.
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[Image description: Text over a blue background and snowbank that reads, “Special winter rules for utility shutoffs.” Above is a roof and rain gauge with snow and icicles on it, and text beside that reads, “Nov. 1 to April 1.” The logos of MLSA, LSC, and MontanaLawHelp are at the top left corner of the page.]