Access to Utility Service

Essential Utility & Telecommunications Law

Rising costs, deregulation, and frequent terminations make utility access a critical area for consumer law practices, especially as complex new energy technologies, federal incentives, and financing products emerge.

Key Topics Covered

• Disconnections & Service Access: Prevention, reconnection strategies, extreme weather protections, bankruptcy remedies, and tenant options during landlord non-payment.
• Assistance & Affordability: LIHEAP, discount rates, Percentage of Income Payment programs, weatherization, subsidized housing allowances, and affordable water.
• Billing, Rates & Metering: Deposits, late charges, level billing plans, master metering, and billing disputes.
• Specialized Providers & Fuels: Municipal utilities, rural electric co-ops, manufactured housing service, and deliverable fuels (oil, propane).
• Telecommunications: Consumer rights and service delivery issues.

Praise

"The NCLC manual series is the primary authority in their respective subjects. Many of the queries I get from lawyers and lay people on a regular basis can be easily answered by referring to the manuals." — Alan M. White, Professor of Law, CUNY