What can a person do when they rely on electricity for medical devices and their power is disconnected?

Generally electric service can't be stopped until the household has received written notice from the utility, and the household must be permitted an option to make installment payments over 6 months to bring the account current.

Also, service cannot be stopped from November through March for a household that (1) can't pay the utility bill, (2) has a household member over the age of 65 or who is disabled, and (3) has been certified as eligible under the Energy Crisis Assistance Program. Call your local Department of Social Services to inquire whether the affected household is eligible under the Program.

There are also a number of charitable organizations that might be able to provide assistance (as a last resort) in providing funds to keep the power on for a limited time. Your local DSS can probably tell you if any of these organizations are available in your area. Here's a link you may find helpful: http://liheap.ncat.org/profiles/NC.htm.

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