Duke Energy Policy For Medically Essential Service
Many people ask:
"In Florida if you are in arrears with your electric company but you need oxygen 24/7 can they disconnect you?"
Yes — but there are important protections if the person is officially classified as a “Medically Essential Service” customer. In Florida, needing oxygen 24/7 can qualify, particularly if the oxygen equipment is electrically powered and must operate continuously to sustain life or avoid serious medical complications.
However, being on oxygen does not mean the electric company can never disconnect the service for nonpayment. The protection is generally a limited extension, not a permanent exemption from paying the bill.
For a medically essential customer, Florida’s regulated electric utilities generally must:
Have a Florida-licensed physician certify that the electricity is medically essential.
Grant an extension of up to 30 days beyond the normal disconnection date for nonpayment.
Give written notice of the eventual disconnection date.
Attempt to telephone the customer by noon the day before the scheduled disconnection.
During that extension, the customer needs to make payment arrangements or make other arrangements to meet the person’s medical needs.
The important part:
If this is for a person who is already behind on the electric bill, don't wait for a shutoff notice. Contact the electric company immediately and specifically say:
“There is a permanent resident in this home who requires continuously operating oxygen equipment. I need to apply for Medically Essential Electric Service.”
Ask your doctor to complete the utility’s medical certification.
For Duke Energy Florida:
The current Duke/Florida Public Service Commission information has a specific Medically Essential Electric Service program. If a person requires oxygen 24/7 and the oxygen equipment is electrically powered, they may qualify. The Florida PSC specifically includes equipment that must operate continuously to sustain life or avoid serious medical complications. Duke Energy is one of the utilities covered by these rules.