What pandemic? Utilities resuming disconnections Moratoriums on electric shutoffs now expiring Despite the continuing pandemic, Duke and other utilities are now disconnecting customers falling behind, as state moratoriums expire By: John Matarese and last updated 2021-03-11 14:20:37-05 Most states passed emergency laws banning evictions and utility shutoffs during the pandemic. Those moratoriums are running out, and thousands of unemployed people â plus others still battling COVID-19 â are running out of options. Mashelle Fields is one of them, living off batteries and borrowed power in her apartment. She said Duke workers shut off her electricity over the weekend for non-payment going back several months.