ATLANTA, Ga. () — When the National Weather Service issues heat advisories, Georgia Public Service Commission (PSC) rules regarding disconnections of service kick in.

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

“Prior to 8:00 A.M. on the date of the scheduled disconnection, a National Weather Service Heat Advisory or Excessive Heat Warning is in effect or is forecast to be in effect by the National Weather Service, for the county in which the meter scheduled for disconnection is located.”

This rule pertains specifically to Georgia Power, the only electric provider regulated by the PSC. Electric Membership Corporations and municipal electric systems may have similar rules. PSC commissioners recommend customers of those utilities contact their provider if they are in danger of a service disconnect during a high heat event.

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.