April 6, 2019 - The Iowa Utilities Board (IUB) has issued an emergency order resulting in an extension of the winter utility moratorium until May 13. Iowa’s winter heating moratorium normally runs from Nov. 1 to April 1. The extension is the result of a statewide emergency declaration by Governor Kim Reynolds due to “widespread flooding and severe weather.”
The emergency moratorium extension applies to all statewide Iowa customers who are eligible for the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP). The extension also applies to investor-owned, municipal and cooperative utilities providing electric and natural gas service.
Iowa residents who notify their gas and electric utility that they are applying for LIHEAP certification through the local CAP agency may receive a 30-day stay from service disconnection during the moratorium. The utility company must also offer a payment plan after the moratorium ends.
Customers in need of shutoff protection should contact their local utility company or Community Action Agencies to discuss payment arrangements and other energy assistance options that may be available.
To learn more about moratorium and seasonal protections in your state, visit the disconnect policies webpage on the LIHEAP Clearinghouse website.
source: media reports
