Coast Guard Utility Shutoffs in 75-Day Shutdown

The U.S. Coast Guard is operating in crisis 75 days into the longest government shutdown in history, with over $300 million in unpaid obligations leading to utility shutoffs at bases and housing worldwide and personnel paychecks set to halt next month.

The shutdown, stemming from a congressional impasse over Department of Homeland Security appropriations that began on February 14, 2026, has left the Coast Guard with thousands of overdue utility bills totaling $5.2 million. More than 5,000 bills remain unpaid, affecting over 100 providers. Nearly 43 percent of Coast Guard housing units, or about 1,000 residences, have invoices more than 30 days past due.

In recent days, water service was cut at duty stations in Port Huron, Michigan, and Station Channel Islands, California. Natural gas lines were temporarily locked at Air Station Barbers Point in Hawaii, while a power outage at a recruiting station in St. Louis, Missouri, forced staff to work by flashlight. Electricity was also disconnected at the New Orleans home of a Coast Guard rear admiral, prompting his family to seek a hotel. Providers have restored service in most cases after pleas from Coast Guard personnel, but officials...