Can You Benefit from a Utility Third-Party Notification?

Many consumers, including those who are elderly, disabled, homebound, or dealing with a medical condition may benefit from their utility’s Third-Party Notification Program.

The Third-Party Notification Program is voluntary and allows a consumer to designate a third party to get a copy of any utility shut-off notices or other delinquent payment reminders. The designated third party may be a trusted relative, neighbor, friend, landlord or social service agency. The program can serve as a safety net for consumers and give them the reassurance of having someone who can alert them about past-due and disconnection notices. It may also help consumers avoid being tricked by emergency payment scams.

The consumer and the designated third party will both receive the notices. If the customer has given consent, the notification may also be sent by email. The utility will notify the consumer and the third party at least 14 days before disconnecting service for non-payment.

When a third party contacts the utility about a shut-off notice, he or she will be told what can be done to prevent the service from being disconnected.

The third party is NOT responsible for paying the bill unless he or she has agreed in writing to be a guarantor of the account. However, the utility may allow the third party to set up a payment arrangement to help prevent service disconnection.

To enroll, the consumer and the designated third party will need to sign a form with the utility. For more details, or to enroll, please contact the utility.

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