It would be no later than 7 years plus 180 days after the date of first delinquency that led up to the charge off. For example, if you were first late 7/1/09 and you never became current before the charge off on 10/1/09, then it would be 7 years (plus up to 180 days) after 7/1/09.
For your options, if you need to apply for something prior to this summer/fall, I would recommend paying the energy company and then sending in a GW request. Otherwise, depending on where you stand on paying old debts, just wait it out till a few months prior to the 7 month mark and start requesting early exclusion from the three bureaus.
