DES MOINES, Iowa — With Iowa’s unemployment rate in April jumping to 10.2%, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the Iowa Utilities Board (IUB) issued an order Wednesday with guidelines utilities must follow in order to resume disconnections of customers’ utility service.
According to the IUB order, city-owned utilities may resume disconnections starting May 28. For investor-owned utilities, such as Alliant Energy and MidAmerican Energy, disconnections can start July 1.
The IUB order and a disconnection timeline are available online.
Customers are exempt if they have tested positive for COVID-19 or have another health condition that requires service. Customers will get a minimum of 12 days notice and can apply for a 30 day extension before service is shutoff.
Income-eligible Iowans may continue to apply for the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) program through the extended deadline of June 30, 2020, as approved by the Iowa Department of Human Rights. Perry-area utility customers should contact the New Opportunities Dallas County Family Development Center for more information and to apply for LIHEAP.
