Utility Shut Off Prohibited During Government Shutdown
October 1, 2025
NOTICE PROHIBITING GAS OR ELECTRIC SERVICE SHUT-OFF
OF ELIGIBLE RESIDENTIAL CUSTOMERS DURING GOVERNMENT SHUTDOWN
On September 30, 2025, Governor Wes Moore communicated with Maryland Utility Partners, reminding the utilities of their obligation under Md. Code, Public Utilities (“PUA”) § 7-307.4, which prohibits the termination of gas or electric service for “eligible residential customer(s)” during (1) a government shutdown, or (2) within seven days after the shutdown has ended. Eligible residential customers include residential utility customers (1) employed by a federal, state, or local government, and (2) involuntarily furloughed due to the government shutdown. An eligible residential customer, before termination must (1) verify government employment with the utility, and (2) enter into a payment plan after the shutdown. In accordance with PUA § 7-307.4, the Commission also reminds utilities of the prohibition against service terminations of eligible residential customers due to nonpayment during a government shutdown. Furthermore, utility companies are instructed to provide instructions for the type of employment verification documentation accepted and methods to submit documentation to the companies within 5 (five) business days of this notice.
By Direction of the Commission,
Amanda Best
Deputy Executive Secretary