Utility Shut Off Action Page

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Download our Utility Shut Off Action Toolkit

WHY DO UTILITY SHUT OFF POLICIES MATTER?

Access to water, electricity, gas, and the internet are basic human rights integral to preserving the health and safety of everyone.

Unfortunately, millions of families each year are cut off from their utility services. According to the most recently available 2017 data from the U.S. Census Bureau, 1.2 million households (or approximately 1% of total households) experienced utility shut-offs within the past three months of taking the survey, and 18.4 million households (or approximately 15% of total households) reported receiving notice within the past three months to have utilities shut off for missed payments. Lacking access to these essential utility services disproportionately harm low-wealth communities, communities of color, and tribes.

WHAT YOU CAN DO:

  1. Check this spreadsheet to see if your utility is already on the list
  2. If not, research your utility shut off policies. Tips and tricks here
  3. Report back on your utility shut off policies
  4. Take action and urge the senate to stop utility shut offs

Take Action to Stop Utility Shut Offs