Can a utility company shut off my services?

Massachusetts law prevents utility companies from shutting off services to people in special situations. Each utility company in MA must follow the law and provide service to households that qualify for shutoff protection. Seniors, low income families with infants, people with serious illnesses who cannot afford to pay their bills, tenants with landlords that are responsible for utility bills, and low income people who would be without heat during the winter are eligible for utility shut off protection. If a landlord is responsible for paying the gas or electric bills but doesn’t pay them, a utility company cannot shut off the services for non-payment without giving a 30 day notice. Tenants have a right to take over the payments to prevent a shutoff and deduct it from their rent.