Thousands of low-income Iowans who are behind on paying their utility bills could be disconnected this Friday. Iowa’s winter moratorium on utility service disconnections runs through April 1. The moratorium is only extended to households that are qualified for the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program.
There were more than 30,000 LIHEAP certified households in Iowa in January. Rob Hillesland, with the Iowa Utilities Board, says those customers owe around $6.6 million. “For most of these customers, the utilities are more than willing to work out some sort of payment agreement to help them out,” Hillesland said.
“So, I would encourage customers to contact their local utility as soon as possible.” In most cases, customers who arrange to make some kind of monthly payment – even if it’s not for the full amount – can avoid having their utilities disconnected.
Hillesland says customers who have exhausted their utility payment options may need to seek other assistance through their local Community Action Program.
Hillesland says people with questions or concerns can also call the Iowa Utilities Board customer service line at 1-877-565-4450.
