March is the final month of the state moratorium that prevents utilities from disconnecting the service of low-income Iowans for non-payment of their bills. Iowa Utilities Board spokesman, Rob Hillesland, says the moratorium only applies to those who’ve been getting low-income heating assistance. Hillesland says even if you’re behind on your bills, that doesn’t mean your service has to be shut off.
Hillesland says you should stay in contact with your local utility as they may have some options such as a payment agreement to allow you to pay off your bill. Hillesland says ignoring the problem is something you should not do. He says if you look at your financing and are concerned about paying your bill before the cutoff date, you should call your local utility.
Hillesland says utilities want to help customers if they can, but he says they can’t help you if you don’t talk to them. He says it is important that customers take a close look at their finances before the end of the moratorium and continue to pay what they can toward their bills. The winter moratorium on shutting off utilities ends on April 2nd.