Will I Get Cut Off?
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Maryland

MDStrong
14
Days notice (electric)
14
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

    Maryland 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

    psc.maryland.gov handles complaints against regulated utilities in Maryland. Filing one can pause a disconnection while it is looked at.

ElectricGasWaterMedicalLow IncomeRegulator

Electric Shutoff Rules

Regulatory notice required14 days
Reconnection feeVaries by utility
Winter moratorium: November 1–March 31: gas and electric utilities may not terminate service unless utility files a 24-hour advance affidavit with the PSC certifying the termination does not threaten life or health of residential occupants. Additional weather protection: no disconnection on any day when forecast at 6 a.m. is 32°F or below, or 95°F or above, within 72 hours. Service restored within 24 hours once payment made Dec 1–Mar 31.

Major Utilities

Baltimore Gas & E…Pepco (Potomac El…Delmarva Power Ma…Potomac Edison (F…

Baltimore Gas & Electric (BGE)

Baltimore City and central Maryland including Anne Arundel, Baltimore, Carroll, Frederick, Harford, and Howard counties

14-day notice
14-day written notice required for nonpayment under COMAR 20.31
Winter protection Nov 1–Mar 31: utility must file PSC affidavit at least 24 hours before shutoff certifying no threat to life or health
must attempt personal contact on two separate days before winter shutoff
Winter disconnection requires unpaid balance exceeding $200 (single service) or $300 (dual electric+gas)
Medical exemption: 30-day shutoff delay with physician certification, usable up to 3 times per 12-month period
USPP participants: reconnection fee and deposit waived Nov 1–Mar 31
No shutoff when 6 a.m. forecast temperature is 32°F or below or 95°F or above (72-hour window)
No shutoff while billing dispute is pending if undisputed amounts are paid
Same-day restoration available if full payment made at authorized location before 3 p.m
Assistance Programs

Maryland Energy Assistance Program (MEAP/LIHEAP); Utility Service Protection Program (USPP); Electric Universal Service Program (EUSP); Arrearage Retirement Assistance (ARA) up to $2,000; BGE Washington Area Fuel Fund Partnership via Salvation Army (up to $1,000/year); Gas Arrearage Retirement Assistance (GARA)

"COMAR 20.31.02.05 Termination Procedures – Library of Maryland Regulations." regs.maryland.gov. Retrieved 21 Sep 2026.

Pepco (Potomac Electric Power Company)

Montgomery County and Prince George's County, Maryland

14-day notice
14-day written notice required for nonpayment under COMAR 20.31
Winter protection Nov 1–Mar 31: utility must file PSC affidavit at least 24 hours before shutoff certifying no threat to life or health
Winter disconnection requires unpaid balance exceeding $200 (single service) or $300 (dual service)
Medical exemption: 30-day delay with physician certification
USPP participants: reconnection fee and deposit waived Nov 1–Mar 31
must attempt personal contact on two separate days
No shutoff when 6 a.m. forecast temperature is 32°F or below or 95°F or above
Entering a payment agreement during the notice period pauses termination for 30 days
Reconnection fee:$35.00 (per Maryland Terms & Conditions effective September 1, 2023)
Assistance Programs

Maryland Energy Assistance Program (MEAP/LIHEAP); Utility Service Protection Program (USPP); Arrearage Retirement Assistance (ARA) up to $2,000 once per 5 years; Pepco Washington Area Fuel Fund Partnership via Salvation Army (up to $1,000/year); EmPOWER Low Income Energy Efficiency Program (LIEEP); Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP)

"Pepco Maryland Terms & Conditions – Connection Fee effective September 1, 2023." pepco.com. Retrieved 19 May 2026.

Delmarva Power Maryland (DPL)

Eastern Shore of Maryland (Upper and Lower Eastern Shore); approximately 208,000 Maryland electric customers

14-day notice
14-day written notice required for nonpayment under COMAR 20.31
Winter protection Nov 1–Mar 31: utility must file PSC affidavit at least 24 hours before shutoff certifying no threat to life or health
Winter disconnection requires unpaid balance exceeding $200 (single service) or $300 (dual service)
Medical exemption: 30-day delay with physician certification
USPP participants: reconnection fee and deposit waived Nov 1–Mar 31
Note: In February–March 2025 Delmarva temporarily waived late fees, suspended disconnections, and waived deposit requirements in response to unusually high winter bills
must attempt personal contact on two separate days
No shutoff when 6 a.m. forecast temperature is 32°F or below or 95°F or above
Reconnection fee:Not confirmed from Delmarva Maryland tariff primary source
Assistance Programs

Maryland Energy Assistance Program (MEAP/LIHEAP); Utility Service Protection Program (USPP); Arrearage Retirement Assistance (ARA); Delmarva BillSupport programs (delmarva.com/BillSupport, 800-375-7117)

"Restrictions on Terminations – Maryland Public Service Commission Consumer FAQ." psc.maryland.gov. Retrieved 19 May 2026.

Potomac Edison (FirstEnergy)

Western Maryland: Allegany, Washington, and Frederick counties (full coverage); portions of Carroll, Howard, and Montgomery counties; approximately 285,000 customers

14-day notice
COMAR 20.31.02.05 requires the utility to send a termination notice at least 14 days before the termination date, sent by first-class mail or delivered in person, with a copy to any designated third party
Winter protection Nov 1 to Mar 31: the utility must file a PSC affidavit at least 24 hours before shutoff certifying no threat to life or health, and must attempt personal contact on two separate days
Winter disconnection requires an unpaid balance exceeding $200 (single service) or $300 (dual service)
A medical certificate gives a 30-day delay (Critical Care Program)
USPP participants have the reconnection fee and deposit waived Nov 1 to Mar 31
No shutoff when the 6 a.m. forecast temperature is 32F or below or 95F or above
Third-Party Notification lets a relative, clergy member, or social service agency be notified alongside the customer
Potomac Edison's own tariff (Schedule 17) is reported to set a reconnection charge, but no reachable page or filed sheet states the dollar amount, so reconnection_fee is left null rather than repeating a vague disclaimer
Assistance Programs

Maryland Energy Assistance Program (MEAP/LIHEAP); Utility Service Protection Program (USPP); Electric Universal Service Program (EUSP); Arrearage Retirement Assistance (ARA) up to $2,000 once per 5 years; Critical Care/Medical Certification Program; Third-Party Notification; Extended Due Dates for customers 60+ or on Social Security/disability

"COMAR 20.31.02.05 - Termination Procedures (Library of Maryland Regulations)." regs.maryland.gov. Retrieved 21 Sep 2026.

Gas Shutoff Rules

Regulatory notice required14 days
Reconnection feeVaries by utility

Major Utilities

BGE Gas (Baltimor…Washington Gas Ma…Columbia Gas of M…

BGE Gas (Baltimore Gas & Electric)

Baltimore City and central Maryland (same territory as BGE Electric: Anne Arundel, Baltimore, Carroll, Frederick, Harford, and Howard counties)

14-day notice
14-day written notice required for nonpayment under COMAR 20.31
Winter protection Nov 1–Mar 31: utility must file PSC affidavit at least 24 hours before shutoff certifying no threat to life or health
Winter disconnection requires unpaid balance exceeding $200 (single service gas) or $300 (dual electric+gas service)
Medical exemption: 30-day delay with physician certification, usable up to 3 times per 12-month period
USPP participants: reconnection fee and deposit waived Nov 1–Mar 31
must attempt personal contact on two separate days
No shutoff when 6 a.m. forecast temperature is 32°F or below or 95°F or above
No shutoff while billing dispute is pending if undisputed amounts are paid
Same-day restoration available if full payment made at authorized location before 3 p.m
Assistance Programs

Maryland Energy Assistance Program (MEAP/LIHEAP); Utility Service Protection Program (USPP); Gas Arrearage Retirement Assistance (GARA); Arrearage Retirement Assistance (ARA) up to $2,000; BGE Washington Area Fuel Fund Partnership via Salvation Army

"COMAR 20.31.02.05 Termination Procedures – Library of Maryland Regulations." regs.maryland.gov. Retrieved 21 Sep 2026.

Washington Gas Maryland (WGL)

Montgomery, Prince George's, Frederick, Calvert, Charles, and St. Mary's counties; approximately 513,000 Maryland customers

14-day notice
14-day written notice required for nonpayment (COMAR 20.31.02.05)
Winter protection Nov 1 to Mar 31: PSC affidavit required at least 24 hours before shutoff
A medical certificate gives a 30-day delay
USPP participants have the reconnection fee and deposit waived Nov 1 to Mar 31
Notice must include the account number, reason for termination, scheduled date, reconnection charges, total amount due, and customer rights
The utility must notify customers of available financial assistance and alternate payment plans
must attempt personal contact on two separate days
No shutoff when the 6 a.m. forecast temperature is 32F or below or 95F or above
Washington Gas's own 2025-2026 Maryland customer handbook confirms 'a reconnection fee, as approved by the Maryland Public Service Commission, is charged' but states no dollar amount anywhere in the handbook or on the termination-policy or tariff-index pages this pass could reach, so reconnection_fee is left null rather than repeating the previously stated, unconfirmed $35.00/$60.00
Assistance Programs

Maryland Energy Assistance Program (MEAP/LIHEAP); Utility Service Protection Program (USPP); Washington Area Fuel Fund (WAFF, partnership with Salvation Army); EmPOWER Low Income Energy Efficiency Program (LIEEP); Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP)

"Termination Policy Statement – Washington Gas." washingtongas.com. Retrieved 21 Sep 2026.

Columbia Gas of Maryland (NiSource)

Western and central Maryland: Garrett, Allegany, and Washington counties; approximately 33,000 customers

14-day notice
14-day written notice required for nonpayment: the company's own Rights and Responsibilities booklet states the Notice of Termination is mailed at least 14 days before the scheduled termination date, matching COMAR 20.31.02.05(C)
Winter protection Nov 1 to Mar 31 per COMAR 20.31.03: PSC affidavit required at least 24 hours before shutoff
Medical exemption: up to a 30-day delay with licensed medical professional certification, available up to 3 times per 12-month period
USPP participants have the reconnection fee and deposit waived Nov 1 to Mar 31
Customers can prevent shutoff by paying the past-due balance by 10 p.m. the day before the scheduled shutoff date
must attempt personal contact on two separate days
No shutoff when the 6 a.m. forecast temperature is 32F or below or 95F or above
An adult (18+) must be present during reconnection
A security deposit is required if not already on file
The booklet also confirms the $48 reconnection fee, matching the figure already on file
the row's previous source, the shutoff-and-reconnect-process page, states the fee but never the 14-day figure, which is why it kept failing verification
Reconnection fee:$48.00
Assistance Programs

Maryland Energy Assistance Program (MEAP/LIHEAP); Utility Service Protection Program (USPP); Columbia Gas of Maryland Fuel Fund (grants for low-income customers with arrears or disconnected service); Dollar Energy Fund HeatShare; payment plans available

"Know Your Rights and Responsibilities - Columbia Gas of Maryland." columbiagasmd.com. Retrieved 21 Sep 2026.

Water Shutoff Rules

Regulatory notice requiredNot regulated / varies

Major Utilities

Washington Suburb…Maryland American…Baltimore City DP…

Washington Suburban Sanitary Commission (WSSC Water)

Montgomery County and Prince George's County, Maryland

30-day notice
Md. Code, Public Utilities § 25-504 (the WSSC-specific statute, not a PSC rule – WSSC is a bi-county agency the Maryland PSC does not regulate) sets the actual mechanism: a late payment charge of 5% is added if a bill for a 3-month-or-longer service period is unpaid 30 days from the date it was sent
if the bill remains unpaid 30 days after sending, "after leaving written notice on the premises or mailing notice to the owner's last known address, the Commission shall turn off the water." No separate dollar figure for the turn-on fee appears in the statute, only that "the cost incurred in shutting off and restoring the water supply" must be paid along with the bill and late charges before service resumes
The Get Current amnesty program waives turn-on fees and late charges for qualifying participants and temporarily suspends residential shutoffs during participation
WSSC's own Code of Regulations Chapter 3.25.010 (Definitions) separately confirms a self-adopted protection: no shutoff when a National Weather Service forecast made 24 hours ahead predicts the temperature at Laurel, Maryland will reach 95F or higher or fall to 25F or below
Call 301-206-4001 to arrange restoration after payment
Emergency Services 24/7 at 301-206-4002
Assistance Programs

Customer Assistance Program (CAP) – waives ready-to-serve charges, averaging ~$61/quarter credit for income-eligible customers; WSSC Water Fund (grants up to $500/year for qualifying low-income customers); Get Current amnesty program (waives turn-on fees and late charges); Maryland Water Assistance Program

"Md. Code, Public Utilities § 25-504 (Washington Suburban Sanitary Commission), Maryland General Assembly statute database." mgaleg.maryland.gov. Retrieved 21 Sep 2026.

Maryland American Water

Harford County (Bel Air and surrounding areas), portions of Anne Arundel County, Allegany County, and other scattered Maryland communities; approximately 24,000 customers

PSC-regulated investor-owned water utility subject to Maryland PSC water rules
Turn-on fee applies for initial service or after disconnection
Regular business hours are 8:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m
Monday through Friday, excluding holidays
after-hours rate is higher
H2O Help to Others Program available for customers who have received a shutoff notice or have had service disconnected and meet income guidelines (at or below 150% of federal poverty level)
Budget Billing, installment plans, and preferred due date options available
Reconnection fee:$25.00 during regular business hours (8 a.m.–5 p.m., Mon–Fri, excluding holidays); $120.00 outside regular business hours (payable in advance)
Assistance Programs

H2O Help to Others Program (grants up to $500/year for customers at or below 150% federal poverty level with shutoff notice or active disconnection); Budget Billing; Installment Plans; Preferred Due Date

"Maryland American Water Company Tariff – Water-P.S.C. MD No. 11 (proposed/effective 8/1/25)." amwater.com. Retrieved 19 May 2026.

Baltimore City DPW Water

Baltimore City, Maryland

Baltimore City DPW conducts residential water turnoffs seasonally, approximately April 1 through October 31 (no turnoffs conducted November through March)
Accounts considered delinquent when unpaid balance is $250 or more and two billing periods (approximately 60 days) in arrears
At least one delinquent notice must be issued before a turn-off notice is sent
turn-off notice includes anticipated turn-off date
Not regulated by Maryland PSC
Baltimore City is a municipal utility
Customers receiving a shutoff notice should call 410-396-5398 immediately (same day)
Payment plans and water assistance programs available to prevent shutoff
Hardship Exemption Program exempts qualifying low-income residents from Chesapeake Bay Restoration Fee and Stormwater Remediation Fee
Reconnection fee:Not confirmed from primary source
Assistance Programs

Water Assistance Programs (payment plans, bill adjustments, financial grants); Hardship Exemption Program (fee exemptions for income-eligible customers); Water Billing Programs for residents

"Water Bill Restoration FAQs – Baltimore City Department of Public Works." baltimorecity.gov. Retrieved 19 May 2026.

Medical & Vulnerable Household Exemptions

Utility must refrain from terminating service for an additional 30 days upon notification that a customer or occupant has a serious medical condition. Customers have 45 days from receipt of a termination notice to arrange a payment plan or apply for energy assistance.

Low-Income Protections

Maryland Office of Home Energy Programs (OHEP) administers MEAP (Maryland Energy Assistance Program) and LIHEAP. BGE, Pepco, and other utilities offer Customer Assistance Programs (CAP) with bill discounts for income-qualified customers.

Your State Regulator

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

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