Utility Shutoffs
Erase Past-Due Utility Balances with a Trusted Bankruptcy Attorney
Behind on Utility Bills? Bankruptcy Can Restore Your Power
Are you facing a utility shutoff or already living without gas, electricity, or water? If you’re overwhelmed by past-due utility bills and unable to catch up, you may be able to restore services and prevent future shutoffs with the help of bankruptcy.
At The Debt Erasers, we help people across Johnstown, Clearfield, Punxsutawney, and Somerset, PA use Chapter 7 or Chapter 13 bankruptcy to stop utility shutoffs, erase old balances, and regain financial stability. Our experienced bankruptcy attorney is here to walk you through your options and fight for the fresh start you deserve.
No Pressure - Just Answers
How Bankruptcy Stops Utility Shutoffs In Pennsylvania
When you file for bankruptcy—whether Chapter 7 or Chapter 13—you’re immediately protected by something called the automatic stay. This is a legal order that forces all creditors, including utility companies, to stop collection activity and service disconnections.
That means:
- Your electricity, gas, or water cannot be shut off
- If services have already been disconnected, the utility company may be required to restore service
- Your past-due balance can be included in your bankruptcy case, potentially erasing the debt
Whether you’ve received a shutoff notice or your utilities have already been cut, bankruptcy may provide a fast and effective solution.
What Utility Bills Can Be Included In Bankruptcy?
Bankruptcy can include most delinquent utility bills, such as:
- Electric bills
- Gas bills
- Water and sewer charges
- Trash and sanitation bills
- Internet or phone (if considered essential services)
Your past-due balances can often be eliminated through Chapter 7 or repaid over time through Chapter 13, depending on your financial situation and the type of bankruptcy you file.
Chapter 7 vs. Chapter 13 for Utility Debt
Chapter 7 Bankruptcy
If you qualify for Chapter 7, you may be able to discharge (wipe out) your past-due utility bills entirely, along with other unsecured debts like credit cards and medical bills. After filing, your utility company may require a small security deposit to keep services on—but they cannot demand full payment of the past balance.
Chapter 13 Bankruptcy
If you’re behind on multiple bills and need time to catch up, Chapter 13 allows you to repay utility arrears over 3 to 5 years while staying current on future bills. This option is ideal if you have other significant debts or need to protect assets like your home or vehicle.
What Happens If Utilities Are Already Shut Off?
If your electricity, gas, or water has already been disconnected, don’t panic. In many cases, filing bankruptcy can require the utility company to restore service—as long as you file quickly and follow the necessary steps.
Under federal bankruptcy law (Section 366 of the U.S. Bankruptcy Code), utility companies must reconnect service or continue providing service after a bankruptcy filing—provided you offer a reasonable deposit to ensure future payments.
Utility companies move fast. If you’ve received a shutoff notice or are already living without essential services, the sooner you act, the better. Falling behind on utilities can quickly turn into:
- Cold nights without heat or hot water
- Spoiled food from a dead refrigerator
- Unsanitary living conditions
- Health risks for children, the elderly, or those with medical needs
- Eviction from rental properties due to lease violations
Bankruptcy gives you legal protection and a path forward—before things get worse.
Why Choose The Debt Erasers?
At The Debt Erasers, we’ve helped countless clients in western and central Pennsylvania stop utility shutoffs and rebuild their finances. We proudly serve:
- Johnstown, PA
- Clearfield, PA
- Punxsutawney, PA
- Somerset, PA
…and surrounding communities.
We understand how stressful utility shutoffs can be, and we’re here to offer compassionate, judgment-free support to help you get back on your feet.
Utility shutoffs are not just inconvenient—they’re dangerous and dehumanizing. But with bankruptcy, you have powerful legal tools to stop the cycle of disconnection and debt.
Contact The Debt Erasers today to speak with a trusted bankruptcy lawyer in Johnstown, PA. We’ll help you file quickly, restore essential services, and put your financial future back on track.
Call now to schedule your free consultation or fill out our secure contact form to get started.
No more shutoff notices. No more sleepless nights. Just relief.
Help Is Closer Than You Think
Johnstown Office
319 Washington Street, Suite 238
Johnstown, PA 15901
814-536-7470
Clearfield Office
301 E. Pine Street
Clearfield, PA 16830
814-765-2699
Somerset Office
118 South Kimberly Street, Suite 30
Somerset, PA 15501
814-536-7470
Punxsutawney Office
103 North Gilpin Street, Suite 307
Punxsutawney, PA 15767
814-765-2699
Contact Us About Your Case
Ready to take the first step toward a fresh financial start? Contact The Debt Erasers today to schedule your free consultation. We’ll listen to your situation, answer your questions, and help you build a clear, personalized gameplan for debt relief through Chapter 7 or Chapter 13 bankruptcy. There’s no pressure—just honest guidance from a team that truly cares.