Having your electricity, gas, or water service disconnected can make everyday life difficult. Without essential utilities, households may struggle to prepare meals, keep food fresh, maintain comfortable indoor temperatures, or meet important health and hygiene needs.
If your utility service has been disconnected because of unpaid bills, you may be able to find help through government energy assistance programs, utility company payment arrangements, community action agencies, and nonprofit organizations. Some programs may help pay eligible energy debts or provide emergency assistance that makes reconnection possible.
The options available depend on your location, household income, outstanding balance, type of utility, and local program requirements.
Who May Qualify for Help Restoring Utility Service?
Utility reconnection assistance may be available to households experiencing financial hardship or an urgent need to restore essential services.
You may qualify if you:
- Have had electricity or gas disconnected because of unpaid bills
- Have a limited household income
- Are unemployed or have recently lost income
- Are a senior living on a fixed income
- Have a disability or a medical condition affected by the loss of utilities
- Have children or other dependents living in your household
- Receive qualifying government assistance benefits
- Cannot afford the outstanding balance or reconnection requirements
Some programs specifically assist households experiencing an energy crisis. Others may require an income assessment, proof of disconnection, or evidence that assistance will allow service to be restored.
Eligibility is not guaranteed, and water assistance may be administered separately from energy assistance.
Check What You May Qualify For
If your utility service has already been disconnected, you may be able to explore emergency energy assistance, help with overdue bills, or local programs that support reconnection.
- ✓ Free eligibility check
- ✓ Free guidance if needed
Individual programs determine eligibility, benefit amounts, and whether reconnection expenses are covered.
Types of Assistance for Restoring Utility Service
LIHEAP Emergency and Crisis Assistance
The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) helps eligible households with certain home energy expenses. Depending on the state or territory, crisis assistance may help households whose electricity or heating service has been disconnected or is at immediate risk of disconnection.
Some programs may provide payments toward an eligible energy balance or coordinate assistance with the utility provider. Benefits, documentation requirements, and emergency processing rules vary by location.
Utility Reconnection Assistance
Some state and local programs offer assistance intended to help eligible households restore disconnected energy service. Depending on the program, the payment may go toward an outstanding balance or the amount needed to restore service.
Ask the assistance agency whether its funding covers reconnection fees, overdue charges, or only certain energy expenses.
Utility Company Payment Arrangements
Your electricity, gas, or water provider may offer payment plans, hardship arrangements, or other options for customers who cannot pay the full balance immediately.
Contact the provider and explain that your service has already been disconnected. Ask for the exact amount required for reconnection and whether an installment arrangement or hardship program is available.
Get confirmation of any agreement and ask when service can be restored.
Community Action Agencies
Community action agencies may administer energy assistance programs or refer households to organizations that help with utility bills.
These agencies can explain local eligibility requirements, application procedures, and whether emergency funding is available for disconnected households.
Local Charities and Nonprofit Organizations
Some charities, religious organizations, and community nonprofits offer limited emergency assistance for essential household expenses. Depending on local funding, they may help with energy bills or refer applicants to a suitable program.
United Way 211 can help people in the United States find local utility assistance resources.
Water and Sewer Reconnection Assistance
Water and sewer services may have separate assistance programs operated by local governments, municipal utilities, or nonprofit organizations.
Contact your water provider to ask about restoration requirements, payment arrangements, and programs for households experiencing financial hardship. Do not assume that an energy assistance benefit will cover water charges.
What If You Cannot Afford the Reconnection Cost?
If you cannot afford the amount required to restore service, consider these steps:
- Ask the utility provider for an itemized statement showing the balance and reconnection charges.
- Explain your financial circumstances and request a hardship arrangement.
- Contact your local LIHEAP office if electricity or another covered energy expense is involved.
- Search for emergency assistance through community action agencies.
- Contact 211 to find organizations serving your area.
- Ask whether the provider can coordinate with an assistance agency while your application is reviewed.
If anyone in your household depends on electricity for essential medical equipment, inform the utility provider and assistance agency immediately. Explain the medical urgency and ask about emergency procedures and applicable protections.
Do not assume that submitting an application automatically restores service. Confirm the required steps directly with your provider.
How to Find Help Restoring Utility Service
- Contact your utility provider. Confirm why the service was disconnected and what must happen before it can be restored.
- Request an itemized balance. Ask about overdue charges, reconnection fees, deposits, and other applicable costs.
- Check LIHEAP eligibility. Find your state or territory's energy assistance office and ask about crisis or reconnection assistance.
- Search for local emergency programs. Contact community action agencies and nonprofit organizations that assist with utility expenses.
- Call 211. Ask for local resources that may help households restore disconnected utility service.
- Gather required documents. Prepare your utility bill, disconnection notice, identification, proof of income, and proof of residence.
- Explain any urgent needs. Tell the agency if the household has medical equipment, vulnerable residents, or other time-sensitive circumstances.
- Submit your application. Follow the program's instructions and provide any additional documents requested.
- Coordinate with the utility company. Ask how assistance payments will be applied and whether you must complete other requirements.
- Confirm restoration arrangements. Verify the payment amount, expected timeline, and any steps you must take before service can resume.