Who sends it: Your electric, gas or water company, in writing, before a shutoff for an unpaid bill.
What this notice is
A disconnection notice says your account is past due and service may be shut off on or after a certain date unless you pay or make an arrangement. Shutoff rules are set by your state, usually through its public utility commission, and by local rules for city-owned utilities. Regulated utilities generally must give you written notice first.
What to check
- Your account number, which should match a past bill
- The past-due amount and the shutoff date
- How to avoid shutoff: pay, set up a payment plan, or contact them
- The utility's phone number, which should match your regular bill
- Your rights, such as how to dispute the bill or ask for a medical delay
Protections you may have
These rules differ by state and by type of utility. Ask the utility which ones apply to you.
- Medical: in many states, a doctor's note saying someone in the home has a serious medical need can delay a shutoff.
- Weather: many states limit shutoffs during very cold or very hot weather.
- Payment plans: utilities often must offer a way to pay over time.
- Disputes: you can dispute a bill you think is wrong. If you cannot settle it with the utility, call your state utility commission.
What to do
- Call the utility at the number on your regular bill, not a number from a call, text or email.
- Ask what amount stops the shutoff, and ask for a payment plan.
- Tell them if someone in the home has a medical need or uses equipment like oxygen.
- Ask about help paying. The federal Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program, called LIHEAP, and local charities help with heating and cooling bills. Dial 211, or call the Eldercare Locator at 1-800-677-1116, to find help near you.
- Get any agreement in writing, and keep it.
How to tell a real one from a fake
Real utilities send notices in writing and take payment through their usual ways. Scammers call, text or come to the door saying your power will be shut off within the hour unless you pay right now, often by gift card, payment app, wire, crypto or a crypto ATM.
A real utility does not demand that. Hang up and call the number on your bill. Report the scam to your utility and at reportfraud.ftc.gov.
Have one in front of you?
Take a clear photo and text it to Uncle at +1 208 214 0093. He tells you in plain words what it says, what it wants from you, and anything that looks wrong. How to take a clear photo.
This page explains what this kind of letter usually means. Your letter is the final word on your dates and amounts. For a decision about taxes, health coverage or a legal matter, call the office that sent it, using the number on its official website, or ask a professional you trust.
Read next
- Utility shutoff scam
- Debt validation notice
- Property tax assessment notice
- See all letters explained
Written by the Textuncle team. Last updated October 3, 2026.
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