Utility shut-off ban ends, thousands of accounts at risk Share Updated: 10:19 AM EDT Apr 1, 2021 Share Updated: 10:19 AM EDT Apr 1, 2021 On Thursday, the state Public Utility Commission s ban on utility shut-offs during the pandemic ends and thousands of customers are at risk of losing service.According to utility reports submitted to the PUC, over 890,000 residential utility accounts are at risk of being shut off.The total dollar amount owed by at-risk households tops $856-million. We believe that it is essential that you reach out to your public utilities to review assistance programs and payment plan options that are available to help prevent possible utility termination this brings, said Gladys Brown Dutrieuille, Chairman of the PUC. There is a wide range of programs and services available to consumers and utilities understand the assistance programs available in your communities. The key is to call your utility, said Rita Black, Director of Commun