Christine Taylor, Energy Assistance Program Manager for the Iowa Department of Human Rights, says the moratorium, which begins on November lst, protects the state's most vulnerable households.
"Most of the time low income households do not live in energy efficient homes. So what that means is their homes tend to be leakier and colder and so they have to use more natural gas or electric to heat their homes than some of the other households have to."
Figures from the Iowa Utilities Board show, as of February, more than 179,000 utility customers were behind on their bills.
"This year we have seen about a 21 per cent increase in families coming to Community Action to apply for assistance."
Taylor says the moratorium protects those who have been approved for the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) or the Weatherization Assistance Program. But anyone now facing disconnection should contact their utility and their Community Action agency for help.