Cold weather doesn't stop energy shutoffs

Alliant Energy sent out more than 30,000 disconnection notices to Iowa customers in December, according to a company spokesman.

Justin Foss, communications specialist at Alliant, said the company sends out notices to customers who have overdue or unpaid bills.

"The last thing we want to do is disconnect," Foss said.  "But we do issue disconnects so that we can protect all of our customers from having to pay for the services that someone else isn't going to pay for."

Legally, Alliant and other utilities cannot shut off power to low-income families or individuals from November 1st until April 1st.  They can, however, disconnect energy to middle and higher income customers if the temperature has been above 20 degrees for 24 hours, Foss said.

"We always urge people that if you're behind on your bill, you don't know how you're going to pay it, or you can't pay the whole thing, to give us a call," he said.  "We'll work out a plan."

Customers can call 1-800-ALLIANT for more information.