Bill Help Now Full guide
Free · No sign-up · Checked October 22, 2026

Winter is here. Know your shutoff protections before the cold.

Many winter shutoff protections start in November or December. Most states have some winter or medical protection, but most of them only help if you call and ask.

1. See your state's winter rule

2. Do these four things this week

  1. Call your utility before the due dateAsk for a payment plan, and ask which winter or medical protections apply to you. Use the number on your bill.

    "Hi, I'm calling about account [number]. I'm behind and I want to keep my heat on this winter. I can pay $[amount] on [date]. Can we set up a payment plan, and what winter or medical protections do you offer?"

  2. Apply for energy help (LIHEAP)Every county has an office that takes applications. Money can run out, so apply as early as your state allows.
    Find your county's office →
  3. Someone at home has a serious health condition?Ask the utility about a medical certificate. In many states, a note from a doctor can delay a shutoff. Ask what form they need.
  4. Set reminders so it doesn't happen againThe free app tracks every due date and sends a reminder to your calendar two days before.
    Open the free app →

3. Already have a shutoff notice?

Get a step-by-step plan for your state in one minute: your protections, what to say, money help and a letter you can send today.

Make my shutoff plan

Want it on paper?

The Winter Shutoff Defense Kit puts all of this in one printable file: your state's winter and medical rules, a word-for-word call script, fill-in payment-plan and medical letters, a bill tracker, and the energy-help phone number for every county.

Get the printable kit ($9)

Can't afford it? Email help@billhelpnow.com and we'll send it free. Everything on this page stays free.

Watch for scams. No real utility asks for gift cards, crypto or a payment app to stop a shutoff. Hang up and call the number on your bill. Need local help now? Dial 211. In crisis, call or text 988.

Rules summarized from each state's utility commission, checked October 22, 2026. Some utilities (city-owned and co-ops) follow their own rules. Always confirm with your utility. See every state's rules and sources.