Can my electricity be shut off if I use medical equipment?

Introduction

If you use medical equipment at home that needs electricity, the idea of losing power can feel frightening. This is especially true if you rely on devices that support breathing, mobility, nutrition, or other daily needs.

In many places, protections exist, but they are not automatic. Utility shutoff rules are usually set at the state level, and they can also depend on which utility company serves you and what type of utility it is. That means the safest approach is to learn what applies where you live, submit the right medical paperwork early, and build a backup plan so you are protected even if service is still interrupted.

This guide explains what protections may exist, what steps you can take right now, and how to plan for emergencies with your care team.

Quick answer

In many situations, yes, your electricity can still be shut off even if you use medical equipment, especially for nonpayment.

However, many state utility regulators offer extra protections when turning off power would be medically dangerous or would make necessary medical or life-support equipment unusable. These protections often require medical certification and may be time-limited or tied to a payment plan.

What matters most is taking action early:

• Tell your utility that someone in the home relies on electricity-dependent medical equipment.
• Ask what medical shutoff protection process applies where you live.
• Get the required form signed by a licensed clinician, and confirm the utility received it.
• Create a backup power plan for outages, because medical status does not guarantee uninterrupted power.

Why electricity matters for certain medical equipment

A power outage can disrupt health services and can be life-threatening for people who rely on electric-powered medical equipment. That is why emergency preparedness resources emphasize backup power plans and alternative power sources for people who use electricity-dependent devices.

Electricity-dependent medical and assistive equipment can include:

• Respiratory support devices such as ventilators, CPAP or BiPAP machines, suction pumps, nebulizers, and oxygen concentrators
• Home dialysis equipment and other therapy devices used on a schedule
• Infusion or feeding pumps used to deliver fluids, nutrition, or medications
• Power mobility devices such as motorized wheelchairs and scooters
• Other devices that support basic function or safety at home

If you are not sure whether your device counts as “life support” or “medically necessary,” ask your clinician and your equipment supplier. Many utility programs use specific definitions, and you may need those details for forms.

Shutoff protection depends on why power is lost

It helps to separate two common scenarios, because the protections and next steps can be different.

Disconnection for nonpayment

This is when a utility stops service because a bill is past due. State rules often require notices and certain procedures before a disconnection can happen. In many states, there are additional safeguards if someone in the household is seriously ill or relies on medical equipment.

Medical protections in this area often work like this:

• You request a medical protection process from the utility (or your state regulator requires the utility to offer it).
• A licensed clinician certifies that disconnection would be especially dangerous or would prevent necessary medical or life-support equipment from working.
• The certification can delay disconnection for a defined period.
• You may still need to set up and follow a payment plan to keep service on after the delay ends.

Power outage or public safety shutoff

This is when electricity is interrupted for safety or operational reasons, such as storms, wildfires, downed lines, or grid emergencies.

Medical status usually does not prevent these outages. Even if you are on a “priority restoration” or “medical” list, you may still be without power for days after a major disaster. That is why a backup plan is essential even if you qualify for shutoff protection.

What kinds of medical shutoff protections may exist

Terminology differs by state, but protections often fall into a few categories.

Medical certification or medical emergency protection

Some states allow you to pause or prevent a shutoff if a clinician certifies that loss of service would be medically dangerous or would make essential medical or life-support equipment impossible to operate.

In many places, the certification must be completed by a licensed clinician (for example, a physician, nurse practitioner, or physician assistant). The protection may last a set number of days and may need renewal.

Critical care shutoff protection

Some states use terms like “critical care” to describe protections for households where a serious health condition makes shutoff especially risky. You may be required to complete a specific form and submit it to your utility or regulator.

Medical baseline or similar discount programs

Some utilities and regulators offer a “medical baseline” or similar program that provides discounted rates or additional energy allowances when someone relies on life support equipment or has certain serious conditions.

This can lower your bill and may offer extra outage notifications, but it does not replace shutoff protection paperwork and it does not replace your need for a backup plan.

Extra notice and contact requirements

In some areas, having medical certification on file can require the utility to take additional steps before shutting off service, such as additional attempts to contact you or longer notice procedures.

What to expect from the medical certification process

Even though details vary, these patterns are common across many state programs:

Your clinician is usually the key

The form typically asks a licensed clinician to confirm one or both of these points:

• Disconnection would be especially dangerous or life-threatening due to a medical condition
• Disconnection would make operating necessary medical or life-support equipment impossible or impractical

The protection is often temporary

Many programs are designed to delay a shutoff long enough for you to arrange payment support, apply for assistance, or make a safer plan. Some programs require renewal after a set period.

You may still need a payment plan

A medical certification can delay disconnection, but it often does not erase the balance. In some states, using medical certification to avoid shutoff may require you to enter an extended payment plan.

Medical certification is not the same as outage prevention

A medical certification may help prevent a disconnection for nonpayment, but it does not prevent outages from storms or safety shutoffs. Some programs also do not guarantee faster restoration after a widespread outage. Plan as if you could still be without power.

Steps to take if you are worried about a shutoff

If you rely on electricity-dependent medical equipment, the safest approach is to act before you receive a termination notice.

Step 1: Call your utility and ask the right questions

When you call, be specific and use clear language:

• “Someone in my home relies on electricity-dependent medical equipment.”
• Ask what medical shutoff protection program applies in your state.
• Ask whether they require a specific medical certification form.
• Ask how long the protection lasts and whether it must be renewed.
• Ask what happens if the balance is still unpaid when the protection period ends.
• Ask whether enrolling requires a payment plan and what the minimum payment would be.
• Ask if they offer extra outage notifications for medically vulnerable customers.

Write down the date, the name of the representative, and what you were told.

Step 2: Contact your clinician quickly for certification

Utilities and regulators typically require a licensed clinician to complete the certification. When you contact your clinician’s office, tell them this is time-sensitive and affects medically necessary equipment.

Bring (or send) details that make it easier to complete the form:

• Device name and model (a photo of the label can help)
• Whether it must run continuously or on a schedule
• How long any backup battery lasts
• What happens medically if it stops

If you use a device with a backup battery, ask your clinician and supplier whether your plan requires a separate prescription for the battery. Some emergency preparedness guidance highlights that backup batteries may have separate coverage requirements.

Step 3: Confirm the utility received your paperwork

Do not assume a fax or upload went through. Call back and ask them to confirm:

• The medical certification is on file
• The account is coded correctly for medical protection
• The shutoff date is postponed (if applicable)
• Any renewal date you should calendar

Step 4: Set up a payment plan if needed

Medical protection often delays shutoff. It may not erase what you owe.

If you can pay something, even a partial payment may help you negotiate a workable arrangement. If you cannot pay, ask what hardship options exist and what assistance programs they accept.

If you already received a shutoff notice or your power is off

If your shutoff date is close, treat this as urgent.

• Call the utility immediately and ask to start the medical certification process the same day.
• Tell your clinician you have a pending loss of power affecting medical equipment. Ask if they can complete the certification urgently.
• If loss of power creates an immediate risk to breathing or life support, call 911.

If your power is already off and you rely on life-sustaining equipment, you may need to relocate temporarily to a place with reliable electricity. Your equipment supplier or care team may also be able to advise you about safe alternatives for a short period.

Build a backup power plan for medical equipment

Even with shutoff protections, outages can happen. Emergency preparedness guidance recommends planning alternative power sources, reviewing device instructions for battery or generator compatibility, and coordinating with local services if you rely on electric-powered medical equipment.

A practical backup plan usually includes:

Know your device and your backup time

• Read your device instructions or ask your supplier how it can be powered during an outage.
• Learn how long your battery backup lasts at your usual settings.
• Plan for longer outages than you expect, especially during severe weather.

Plan at least one backup location

Identify at least one place you could go if your backup power fails:

• A family member, neighbor, or caregiver with stable power
• A community shelter or accessible public site that has power during emergencies
• A medical setting if it is medically necessary

Use oxygen and respiratory equipment safely during outages

If you use oxygen, ask your clinician what your emergency plan should be if electricity is interrupted. Some preparedness guidance for oxygen users emphasizes discussing safe options ahead of time.

Use generators safely

Generators can help in prolonged outages, but they must be used safely. Carbon monoxide poisoning is a serious risk if a generator is used in enclosed or poorly ventilated areas.

Follow manufacturer instructions and local safety guidance. Consider carbon monoxide detection as part of your safety plan.

Keep manual backups when possible

Some equipment has a manual alternative that can reduce risk when electricity is not available, such as:

• A manual wheelchair as backup for a power scooter
• A flashlight or battery lantern instead of candles (fire risk matters in emergencies)

After power returns, re-check your device

Some medical devices can reset to default settings after a power interruption. When electricity is restored, check that your device settings are correct and functioning as prescribed.

Lowering costs and finding help paying electric bills

If your bill is becoming unmanageable, you are not alone. Assistance may be available through government programs, community resources, and utility payment arrangements.

Options to explore include:

• Payment plans or extended payment arrangements through your utility
• Government energy assistance programs that can help with heating and cooling costs and may offer emergency help during an energy crisis
• Weatherization programs that can reduce long-term energy costs by improving home efficiency

Because policies vary by state, it is common to apply through a state or local office. If you are also managing high medical costs, it can help to prioritize essential bills first and look for programs that reduce total expenses.

Learn more on Understood Care

For related guides, you can also read:

• Financial help: https://understoodcare.com/uc-articles/financial-help
• How to prioritize bills when you can’t pay everything: https://understoodcare.com/uc-articles/how-to-prioritize-bills-when-you-cannot-pay-everything
• Durable medical equipment access guide: https://understoodcare.com/uc-articles/dme-access
• COPD care and support: https://understoodcare.com/uc-articles/copd-care-and-support
• Financial assistance for seniors: https://understoodcare.com/uc-articles/how-seniors-can-beat-rising-expenses‍

FAQ

• Can my electricity be shut off if I’m on oxygen or use an oxygen concentrator?
  Yes, it can still happen, especially for nonpayment. Many states offer medical shutoff protections, but you usually must apply and submit medical certification. You should also have an outage backup plan.
• Do utility shutoff protections for medical equipment guarantee my power will never be disconnected?
  Usually no. Many protections are time-limited, require renewal, and may require a payment plan. They also do not prevent storm outages or public safety power shutoffs.
• What is a medical certificate for utility shutoff protection?
  It is a form completed by a licensed clinician stating that shutting off utility service would be medically dangerous or would prevent necessary medical or life-support equipment from operating.
• How long does a medical certificate stop an electric shutoff?
  It depends on your state and utility rules. Some programs pause shutoff for a set period (often measured in days), and some require renewal. Always confirm the timeline with your utility.
• Is a medical baseline program the same as medical shutoff protection?
  Not always. Medical baseline programs often help lower your bill or increase discounted energy allowances. Shutoff protection may require a separate medical certification process.
• If I register as “life support” with my utility, will they restore power faster after an outage?
  Not necessarily. Some utilities keep lists for planning and communication, but major outages can still last days. You still need backup power options.
• What should I do if I get a shutoff notice and I use electricity-dependent medical equipment?
  Call your utility immediately and ask for the medical shutoff protection process. Contact your clinician the same day for urgent completion of required forms. If your health is in immediate danger without power, call 911.
• Can a backup battery be covered separately from my medical device?
  Sometimes. Some emergency planning guidance notes that insurance may require separate prescriptions for a device and a backup battery. Ask your clinician and equipment supplier what your plan requires.

References

• https://stacks.cdc.gov/view/cdc/139901/cdc_139901_DS1.pdf
• https://files.asprtracie.hhs.gov/documents/aspr-tracie-durable-medical-equipment-in-disasters.pdf
• https://www.fda.gov/medical-devices/emergency-situations-medical-devices/fda-offers-tips-about-medical-devices-and-natural-disasters
• https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7749027/
• https://www.usa.gov/help-with-energy-bills
• https://dps.ny.gov/system/files/documents/2022/10/your-rights-and-protections.pdf
• https://codes.ohio.gov/ohio-administrative-code/rule-4901%3A1-18-06
• https://dam.assets.ohio.gov/image/upload/puco.ohio.gov/empliibrary/files/OPA/Website%20files/Utility%20Assistance/30-Day_Medical_Certification.pdf
• https://opc.maryland.gov/Get-Help/Medical-Certification
• https://www.michigan.gov/mpsc/regulatory/medical-certification-form
• https://www.cpuc.ca.gov/consumer-support/financial-assistance-savings-and-discounts/medical-baseline
• https://adata.org/factsheet/emergency-power
• https://empowerprogram.hhs.gov/‍

This information is for general education and does not replace medical advice from your own clinicians or care team. If you are considering PACE or have questions about PACE program food benefits, talk directly with your local PACE organization or a trusted advocate.