That’s why the The Alliance & the Energy Future New Orleans Coalition (EFNO) are hosting a press conference and action on Monday, December 8 at 10:30 AM on the steps of New Orleans City Hall. We’re calling on the New Orleans City Council to enact a temporary freeze on electric and gas disconnections for households unable to pay through March 1, 2026.
Too many families are being forced into impossible choices between keeping the lights and heat on or buying groceries and medications. In 2023, roughly 1 in 5 households had their power shut off because of inability to pay.
Residents are tired of the status quo. Entergy loves to talk about how we have some of the lowest kWH rates in the country. But let me ask you, is your bill low?
For years now, the Energy Future New Orleans Coalition (EFNO), which AAE is a member of, has been calling on the New Orleans City Council to declare utility access a human right and to adopt policies, like a prohibition on residential disconnections, to protect our communities. Several other cities and states across the country have adopted similar protections this winter. New Orleans and Louisiana can, and must, do the same.
Today, The Alliance reiterated those calls and sent a letter to all the utility regulators in our state — the New Orleans City Council and the Louisiana Public Service Commission — urging both bodies to use their authority to enact a temporary shutoff freeze as we go into the winter months.
Our city’s regulators have the authority to protect residents from dangerous disconnections and crushing utility debt, but they have to choose to act.
Massachusetts
This order from the Department of Public Utilities extends Massachusetts’ annual cold weather disconnection moratorium. The moratorium now stands from November 1 to April 1 instead of from November 15 to March 15. The order specifically notes that this change was made because of uncertainty around LIHEAP funds that leaves residents vulnerable to disconnections and the cold.
Pennsylvania
Governor Shapiro, in coordination with the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission, has secured commitments from utility companies in the state that they will not turn off heat or electricity in November for LIHEAP-eligible Pennsylvanians impacted by the federal government shutdown. This will bridge the gap between now and the start of the annual winter months disconnection moratorium that begins on December 1.
North Carolina
According to the North Carolina Utilities Commission’s rules: “From November 1 through March 31, utility companies cannot disconnect service to households that: include someone who is disabled or age 65 or older; are unable to pay under an installment plan; and are certified by a local social services agency as eligible to receive assistance under an energy assistance program.”
Missouri
Under a new state law passed this year, between November 1 and March 31 disconnection of heat-related service is now prohibited on any day temperatures are predicted to drop below 32 degrees and during the following 72-hour period.
Illinois
The state’s winter weather rule prohibits utilities from disconnecting eligible customers who use electricity or gas as their primary source of home heating from December 1 until March 31. Utility companies have started the freeze on shutoffs early, two weeks ahead of the state’s winter weather rule.
Wisconsin
Wisconsin’s annual winter moratorium runs from November 1 to April 15 and prohibits all utility providers from disconnecting residential heating services for nonpayment.
Indiana
Under Indiana Code 8-1-2-121, electric and natural gas utilities in the state may not disconnect a customer between December 1 and March 15 if the customer is: Receiving help from the federally funded Energy Assistance Program (EAP), or qualified for EAP funds, or has formally applied for the program and has provided the utility with written proof.
Cleveland, Ohio
Mayor Bibb announced a 30-day moratorium on utility disconnections to support Clevelanders during the record-breaking federal shutdown. This moratorium ended on November 7.
Panama City, FL
Panama City is offering deferred payment plans to federal employees and SNAP eligible customers that will allow them to defer payment of their utility bills without penalty or service interruption during the shutdown period. The program will end on December 13.
On December 8, EFNO will stand with local faith leaders, small business owners, community advocates, and residents who have personally experienced disconnections to amplify our call to the New Orleans City Council.
We’re coming together to share stories that reflect a reality shared by thousands across our city: parents choosing between putting food on the table and paying the power bill, seniors relying on electricity for life-sustaining medical equipment, and small businesses trying to keep their doors open.
We’re fighting for them, and for everyone who believes that utility access is a basic human right.
The more people who stand with us on December 8, the louder our call will be. Public pressure matters, especially ahead of the Council’s upcoming December 10 Utility Committee meeting, where this issue can and should be addressed.
If you believe no one should lose their power because of unmanageable bills, we hope you’ll join us. Together, we can ensure our neighbors aren’t left in the dark and cold this winter.
Press Conference & Action: Temporary Freeze on Power Disconnections
📅 Monday, December 8
⏰ 10:30 AM
📍 New Orleans City Hall – 1300 Perdido St., Front Steps
Bring a friend, spread the word, and stand with AAE & EFNO as we push for real, immediate protections for New Orleans residents and families.
