A snowy park at night lit by a street lamp — Photo: Wilfredor, CC0 · credits

Can they shut me off in Ohio?

Short answer · Special Reconnect Order + Winter Heating Season Plan · October 12, 2026 – April 16, 2027 (Special Reconnect Order)

Ohio has no blanket winter shutoff ban. Instead, the PUCO's 2026–2027 Special Reconnect Order (October 12, 2026 – April 16, 2027) lets eligible customers of PUCO-regulated gas and electric utilities pay up to $175 to keep or restore service, plus a reconnection fee of up to $36. Utilities must also offer a winter heating season payment plan (Ohio Adm. Code 4901:1-18-05).

Who is protected

Residential customers of PUCO-regulated electric and natural gas utilities facing disconnection or already disconnected. Each customer can use the order once per season.

What to do in the next 48 hours

Call your utility and ask to use the Special Reconnect Order.
Ask about PIPP Plus and the winter payment plan.
Apply for HEAP through your local Energy Assistance Provider.
Still stuck? Contact the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio (free).

Not yet verified

Our automated fetch of the PUCO page failed on 2026-10-15. The dates and dollar amounts come from PUCO's GovDelivery bulletin. Recheck before publishing.

Frequently asked questions

Can my utility shut off my heat in Ohio during winter?

Who is protected in Ohio?

Residential customers of PUCO-regulated electric and natural gas utilities facing disconnection or already disconnected. Each customer can use the order once per season.

What should I do first?

Call your utility and ask to use the Special Reconnect Order.

Official sources

Last verified: October 15, 2026. This is general information, not legal advice. Rules change, so confirm with your utility or state commission.

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