What would you do if you received a shut-off notice and did not have the money to prevent the shut-off? (Q37 S+W2020)

This chart reflects responses to Question #37 from the Spring 2020 and Winter 2020 surveys, which asks respondents, “What would you do if you received a shut-off notice and did not have the money to prevent the shut-off?”  This is an open ended question and responses were categorized manually. 

One-hundred and sixty-seven respondents answered this question. Thirty respondents did not know. Twenty-four would borrow money or take out a loan. Thirty-four respondents would seek help from friends or family. Forty-one respondents would call their utility company. Sixteen respondents would seek government help. Seven respondents stated they would seek help or assistance, but did not specify. Thirteen respondents would let the shutoff occur and deal with it. Seven respondents would seek work and/or save up money. Six respondents would move away. Nine respondents would go to a nonprofit such as a Neighborhood Energy Center. One respondent would call their landlord. Three respondents stated they would pay it. One respondent would pray, and lastly, one respondent would go into their 403.

The data was produced by the Shifting Energy Demands in COVID-19 Survey, which has been administered to 169 people over two time periods. The Spring 2020 survey was administered to 86 people between May and June, and the Winter 2020 survey was administered to 83 people between December 2020 and March 2021. Visit the Shifting Energy Demands in COVID-19 - Spring + Winter 2020 Survey Results page to view more data from our survey. The project is approved by Drexel’s IRB.