Can an NC utility company turn off your power on a holiday weekend? What you need to know

Evan Moore
·2 min read

Though Charlotte will see some relief from temperatures near triple digits, residents can still expect plenty of heat over Labor Day weekend.

Temperatures are expected to reach the mid to upper 80s over the holiday weekend, with a high of 89 on Monday, according to the latest forecast from the National Weather Service.

If you’re having trouble paying your utility bills, it may mean your power could be shut off soon.

Luckily, there are protections in place to prevent companies from turning off your air conditioning.

Here’s what to know about state laws regarding utility disconnections on weekends and holidays.

Can NC utility companies shut off your power on Labor Day?

The North Carolina Utilities Commission does not allow utility companies to shut off power on weekends, or state or federal holidays, including Labor Day, according to the N.C. Department of Justice.

However, the utilities commission does not regulate towns or membership cooperatives that provide electric or gas services, which usually have their own set of service guidelines.

What has to happen before your utilities are shut off?

Though there are protections against your power being disconnected on holidays, nothing prevents them from doing so the following day.

However, according to the NCDOJ, there are rules utility companies must follow before shutting off your power:

  • You must be given a specific number of days to pay your bill.

  • If your payment is late, utility companies must give you a written notice at least 10 days before disconnecting your service.

  • Your power cannot be disconnected on Fridays, weekends, holidays, or the day before a holiday.

Utility companies must keep a list of households with residents with special needs, such as being on life support equipment, the NCDOJ says.

For those concerned about elderly relatives, many utility companies, like Duke Energy, offer third-party notification programs where customers can designate another person to receive a copy of utility termination notices.

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