Iowa's annual moratorium on utility disconnections during the winter ends April 1st. Under the law, Iowa residents who qualify for the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program are protected from having their natural gas or electric service shut off from November to April.
Roger Pavey, the executive director of Community Action of Eastern Iowa, says that anyone worried about their service possibly being shut off should call their utility companies right now.
"The power companies, Mid-America and Alliant Energy, they are required to offer payment arrangements to help a household catch up on a past-due amount by spreading that amount over a number of months, in whatever way makes it affordable." said Pavey.
Those payment plans can be spread out over six or twelve months depending on the provider and the situation.
Pavey says those who were eligible for LIHEAP can also get help with a portion of their bills if they apply. Anyone uncertain of what to do should contact Community Action of Eastern Iowa.