Can a power company disconnect your electric in extreme heat? What Ohio law says
Summers in Ohio aren’t the worst, but some days can get pretty hot, with temperatures in the high 80s or low 90s. But for those who are struggling to make ends meet, summers can be even harder to manage.
According to the U.S. Census Bureau’s Household Pulse Survey, almost 40% of Ohio residents struggle to pay their household bills between the summer months of June and July, and have even experienced multiple disconnections.
But power shut-offs can get dangerous fast in the heat, so is it even legal for power companies to shut off electric service when it gets really hot? Here’s what to know.
Is it legal for power companies to shut off electric during hotter months?
More than 40 states have laws preventing disconnections during extremely cold months, but only 19 states have laws for extreme heat, according to the Washington Post.
Unfortunately, Ohio does not have laws regarding disconnections in extreme heat, but Ohio residents do still have some rights when it comes to shut-offs.
“If disconnection of utility service would be especially dangerous for the health of someone living in your home, a medical professional (under certain circumstances) can help prevent shutoff or restore service,” the website for the Office of the Ohio Consumers’ Counsel says.
To do this, a resident will need to fill out a 30-day medical certificate form. These forms are available at the utility facility or health department. The certificate can be used up to three times in a 12-month period.
There is also a Summer Crisis Program available for some income-eligible customers from July 1 to Sept. 30.
The Office of the Ohio Consumers’ Counsel said Ohio residents also have these rights:
- You have at least 14 days to pay each month’s bill. If payment is not received by the time the next bill is generated, the utility may begin the disconnection process.
- The utility must provide you notice at least 14 days before disconnection. Notice can either be a message on your utility bill or sent separately.
- The utility must attempt to personally contact you before disconnection. Its representative may be able to accept payment during that contact but may not be able to accept cash at the residence. If you are not at home and miss the utility’s visit, written notice must be posted by the utility in a visible location at the premises prior to disconnecting service. Unfortunately, utilities are not required to make in-person visits prior to disconnection of consumers who have smart meters; instead the utility may contact the smart-meter customer by phone or text message.
- Disconnection can only occur during normal business hours.
- Consumers are entitled to a second ten-day notice before any disconnection occurring on and after Nov. 1 until and including April 15. The utility must make contact either with the customer or other adult at the premises at least 10 days prior to disconnection. The utility may contact the consumer in person, over the telephone or by hand-delivered written notice. This process provides additional time for the consumer to arrange a payment plan.
How to protect yourself and your home in extreme heat
Staying hydrated, cool and indoors are no-brainers for extreme heat, but what else can you do to protect yourself and your home when it gets really hot?
Before extreme heat
Check to see if your home’s cooling system is working properly.
Make sure your home is well insulated and that you have weather stripping around your doors and window sills to keep the cool air inside.
Install window air conditioners snugly; insulate if necessary.
Check air-conditioning ducts for proper insulation.
Install temporary window reflectors (for use between windows and drapes), such as aluminum foil-covered cardboard, to reflect heat back outside.
Cover windows that receive morning or afternoon sun with drapes, shades, awnings or louvers. Outdoor awnings or louvers can reduce the heat that enters a home by up to 80%.
Keep storm windows up all year.
Learn about the types of medical conditions that can result from heat waves, and the proper first aid measures that should be taken.
During extreme heat
Stay indoors as much as possible and limit exposure to the sun.
Drink plenty of fluids and replace salts and minerals in your body. Anyone on a fluid-restricted diet or who has a problem with fluid retention should consult a doctor before increasing liquid intake. People with epilepsy or heart, kidney or liver disease should also consult a doctor before increasing liquid intake. A sports beverage can replace the salt and minerals you lose in sweat. Avoid using salt tablets unless directed to do so by a physician.
Limit intake of alcoholic beverages.
Closely monitor a local radio station, TV station or NOAA Weather Radio for the latest information.
Dress in loose-fitting, lightweight and light-colored clothes that cover as much skin as possible. Protect face and head by wearing a wide-brimmed hat.
Spend time in air-conditioned places. If you cannot afford an air conditioner, spend some time each day in an air-conditioned environment such as public libraries, shopping malls or other indoor public spaces.
Stay on the lowest floor, out of the sunshine if air conditioning is not available.
Check on family, friends and neighbors who do not have air conditioning and who spend much of their time alone.
Never leave children or pets alone in closed vehicles.
Avoid strenuous work during the warmest part of the day. Use a buddy system when working in extreme heat, and take frequent breaks.
What other questions do you have? Let me know in the comments or email me at cmadden@mcclatchy.com
