ATLANTA, Ga. () — When the National Weather Service releases heat advisories, the Georgia Public Service Commission (PSC) enforces regulations about cutting off services.

That means Georgia Power cannot disconnect electric service to a residential customer for non-payment if the follow is true:

“If a National Weather Service Heat Advisory or Excessive Heat Warning is in effect or predicted to occur before 8:00 A.M. on the planned disconnection day, these rules apply to the county where the meter facing disconnection is found.”

This regulation primarily applies to Georgia Power, the sole electric service overseen by the PSC. Other power providers like Electric Membership Corporations and municipal systems may have comparable guidelines. The PSC advises customers of these utilities to reach out to their providers if they face potential service cut-offs during periods of intense heat.

The PSC rule is only temporary. As soon as a heat advisory has ended, a disconnection can occur. The PSC encourages those who are in danger of service interruption to make payment arrangements with their power provider.

PSC Consumer Affairs can help customers who cannot afford their bills and who qualify for payment assistance by connecting them with social service organizations. PSC Consumer Affairs can be reached at (404) 656-4501, (800) 282-5813 or via email at gapsc@psc.ga.gov.