Winter shutoff protections start on three different dates, and who is covered depends on the state and the utility. Montana’s moratorium begins Nov. 1. New Jersey’s Winter Termination Program starts Nov. 15, and Illinois and Memphis follow on Dec. 1.
Montana and Memphis single out older and disabled customers. Illinois protects heating customers more broadly, while New Jersey ties its program to assistance and hardship. Here is how each one works.
Montana: Nov. 1 to April 1 for 62 and older, disabled and low-income households
Under the Montana Public Service Commission’s winter moratorium guide, the protected period runs from Nov. 1 to April 1. Regulated utilities such as NorthWestern Energy, Montana-Dakota Utilities and Energy West need the commission’s approval before they cut off service for nonpayment during that time…