Will I Get Cut Off?
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Alaska

AKModerate
?
Days notice (electric)
?
Days notice (gas)
✗
Winter moratorium
✓
Medical exemption

What to do today

If you have a shutoff notice, the date on it is the one that matters. These steps work best in this order.

  1. Call your utility before the date on your notice

    Ask for a payment plan or a deferred payment arrangement. Most states require your utility to offer one, and asking before the date is what keeps your service on. The number is on your bill.

  2. Apply for energy assistance

    LIHEAP helps with utility bills and does not have to be paid back. Call the national referral line on 1-866-674-6327 weekdays 9am to 7pm Eastern, or visit energyhelp.us.

  3. Dial 211 for local help

    211 is free and connects you to local funds for utilities, rent and food. Some local agencies can pay a utility directly to stop a shutoff.

  4. Ask about medical certification

    Alaska recognises medical protections. If anyone in your home has a serious illness or relies on powered medical equipment, a note from a doctor can delay a shutoff. Ask your utility for the form today, because it usually has to be back within days.

  5. Contact the regulator if your utility will not work with you

    rca.alaska.gov handles complaints against regulated utilities in Alaska. Filing one can pause a disconnection while it is looked at.

ElectricGasWaterMedicalLow IncomeRegulator

Electric Shutoff Rules

Regulatory notice requiredNot regulated / varies
Reconnection feeVaries by utility
Seasonal and weather protections: No statewide statutory winter moratorium. Some individual utilities have voluntary cold-weather policies. 3 AAC 52.450 prohibits disconnection on Fridays and days preceding holidays. Standard residential notice days not confirmed from primary source — listed as null.

Major Utilities

Chugach Electric Association

Municipality of Anchorage, Kenai Peninsula Borough, Matanuska-Susitna Borough, and Whittier area

15-day notice
If occupant is seriously ill, elderly, handicapped, or dependent on life support, minimum 30 days notice required
First notice: at least 15 days written notice before scheduled disconnection date
Disconnection trigger: account delinquent 55 days from initial billing
Service restored within 3 working days after correction
Regulated by RCA under 3 AAC 52.450
Assistance Programs

Deferred payment agreements for residential members with economic hardship: pay at least 1/3 of bill upfront, balance over up to 12 months. Alaska LIHEAP/state heating assistance. Alaska 2-1-1 for community resources.

"Chugach Electric Association Operating Tariff No. 8 (RCA Tariff No. 8)." chugachelectric.com. Retrieved 17 May 2026.

Gas Shutoff Rules

Regulatory notice requiredNot regulated / varies
Reconnection feeVaries by utility

Major Utilities

Enstar Natural Gas Company

Anchorage basin and surrounding Cook Inlet communities

10-day notice
Discretionary winter delay: company MAY delay disconnection of residential space-heating customers when severe weather exists
Two-stage notice: (1) at least 10-day written/electronic notice of intent to discontinue for non-payment
(2) at least 3-day final contact attempt before actual disconnection (mail, email, SMS, phone, door tag
$20 field contact fee applies)
Company will NOT disconnect on Friday, weekends, or days preceding company-recognized holidays
Service normally restored within 1 working day, no later than 3 working days, after correction
Regulated by RCA Tariff No. 4, effective September 27, 2023
Reconnection fee:$100 during office hours, $140 outside office hours, $240 call-out (delinquent account); $65/$85/$95 (standard reconnect)
Assistance Programs

Deferred payment arrangements for qualifying delinquent customers. Alaska DHSS/LIHEAP winter heating assistance (advance signup required; paid directly to Enstar). Budget billing available. Alaska 2-1-1 for community resources.

"ENSTAR Natural Gas Company Complete Approved Tariff (RCA No. 4)." eadn-wc05-12024689.nxedge.io. Retrieved 21 Sep 2026.

Water Shutoff Rules

Regulatory notice requiredNot regulated / varies

Medical & Vulnerable Household Exemptions

Utilities must postpone disconnection when a medical condition would be made dangerous. Medical certificate required; postponement period varies by utility tariff.

Low-Income Protections

LIHEAP available (Alaska has very high per-household heating costs and receives significant federal LIHEAP allocations). Some regulated utilities offer low-income payment plans.

Your State Regulator

File a complaint or get help from Alaska's utility regulator →

Data last verified: 2026-09-21. Rules may change — verify with your state regulator.