Is it illegal to turn off my power if I have three kids under 12 in the house?

Question

Is it illegal to turn off my power if I have three kids under 12 in the house?

Answer 1

No.

If you're so worried about the kids, pay the bill.

Answer 2

everybody tries that one. unless there is a medical reason, like someone in the home requires oxygen, pay your bill or sit in the dark.

Answer 3

No, but if any of the children have a medical condition that requires electricity, utilities will give you 30 days grace period.

Answer 4

YOU could get in trouble with cps, my mom did that when i was a kid for like 2 weeks and she got slapped with a child neglect case

Answer 5

no,hope things get better 4u!

Answer 6

Not for the electric company.

If you choose to stay there and it is a dangerous environment for your children, you could hypothetically get in trouble... but that is your responsibility, not the electric company's.

Answer 7

If you haven't paid your bill, yes, they can.

Answer 8

Having three kids is your fault, not the electric company's.  Not paying your bill on time is your fault, not the electric company's.  Pay your bill or sit in the dark.

Answer 9

No, not for the electric company. It is illegal not to pay your power bill. If the bill isn't paid, the electric company is within their legal rights to turn off the power. Generally they won't do that unless someone is WAY behind - at least 90 days or more.

If you truly have a hardship such that you cannot pay the bill, then the electric company might be willing to work with you on a payment plan (assuming you haven't been late a lot before). I would suggest you call them and unemotionally & calmly explain that you cannot pay the bill in full right now, but you're willing to make payments on the total if they'll work with you.  

Some places have a requirement that utility companies must wait a certain amount of time before turning off services, But no, it's not against the law to turn off water, electricity,gas, etc, if someone doesn't pay their bill - doesn't matter how many children they have, etc..

Answer 10

check with local agencies..like the red cross or some churches in your area..they may be able to help you get your electric back on..

Answer 11

If you don't pay, they can (and should) cut you off. If they let you get away with not paying, only people with no kids would be required to pay utility bills, and that would not be fair (or economically feasible).  So pawn you computer, cut the cable (or DSL or dial-up line) and pay the bill.