Well, the time has come. Utilities such as Baltimore Gas & Electric, Pepco and Delmarva Power have plan to shut off customers who have outstanding balances. Others such as Allegheny Power and Washington Gas Light have already begun.

The terminations come, utility company representatives say, after weeks of trying to contact customers through letters to negotiate payment plans to avoid termination, as directed by the Maryland Public Service Commission in April.

Theresa Czarski of the Office of the People's Counsel, which advocates for consumers, said she and other members of a work group planning implementation of the payment plans urged utilities to indicate on the outside of the envelopes so consumers would understand that these letters were more than just another overdue bill notice.

If you or someone you know is in danger of having their service cut off, don't ignore the payment requests --- call the company. You can get an extension and you can work out a payment plan. The weather's already gotten way hotter.

Here are some sources if you need assistance to pay your energy bills: