Alliant Energy eagerly prepares to shut off power to delinquent account holders

MASON CITY – Alliant Energy alerted NIT this afternoon that anyone behind on their power bill should recognize that the days of skating by without paying are over, and consequences are looming.

“As we have done in the past, I wanted to share an important update about the utility moratorium ending in the next few weeks,” an Alliant spokesperson told NIT Friday.

“At Alliant Energy, the last thing we want to do is shut off service for customers. That’s why I’m reaching out to you about many resources available to customers in the Mason City area, and across the state. We want to encourage customers, no matter their situation, to reach out to us if they’re struggling with their utility bill. Customers who are behind on their bills from the winter months may have their service shut off beginning on April 1, 2025, when the moratorium ends.”

The spokesperson offered an interview opportunity, but instead, NIT is warning delinquents to pony up or seek charity or loans if possible, to avoid cold darkness.

Information on Iowa’s Moratorium

•  Under Iowa’s winter moratorium law, customers who qualify for LIHEAP or the federal Weatherization Assistance Program are protected from the annual shutoff of natural gas or electric service from November 1 to April 1.
•  This means that customers who are behind on their bills from the winter months may have their service shut off beginning on April 1st.
•  Customers qualify for LIHEAP if they make less than 200% of the 2024 federal poverty guidelines.
•  Last year, more than $42 million was distributed to Iowa residents to help with their winter heating bills. This includes more than 22,000 Alliant Energy households in Iowa who received an average of $432.
•  Deadline to apply for LIHEAP is April 30. There is also crisis funding available through LIHEAP for customers who may qualify.
•  For additional information, customers should visit https://hhs.iowa.gov/programs/programs-and-services/liheap.