The Missouri Public Service Commission’s “Cold Weather Rule”, designed to help customers with heat-related utility bills, begins on November 1, 2019. The rule will remain in effect through March 31, 2020. It has been a part of the Commission’s rules and regulations since 1977.
A news release says the “Cold Weather Rule” applies to natural gas and electric utilities under PSC jurisdiction that provide heat-related service. Municipally-operated systems, cooperatives and those that provide propane delivered by truck are not under PSC jurisdiction.
The “Cold Weather Rule”:
· Prohibits the disconnection of heat-related service when the temperature is predicted to drop below 32 degrees during the following 24 hour period;
· Provides more lenient payment terms permitting reconnection of service for natural gas and/or electric customers;
· Allows customers to budget payments over 12 months;
· Requires that customers be notified by mail 10 days before the date the utility intends to shut off service; an attempt be made to contact the customer within 96 hours before the shut off; an attempt be made to contact the customer right before the shut off; and that notice is left at the home when service has been shut off;
· Requires the customer be notified of possible financial help in paying the utility bill;
· Allows for the reconnection of service for less than the full amount owed;
A customer may register with the utility if:
· They are 65 years of age or older;
· Disabled to the extent that they have filed with the utility a form submitted by a medical physician attesting that their household must have natural gas or electric utility service provided in the home to maintain life or health;
· or they have obtained a formal award letter issued from the federal government of disability benefits.
A customer, registered with the utility company as elderly or disabled, will receive additional notifications prior to a proposed discontinuance of service during the “Cold Weather Rule” period. They also may be eligible for additional minimum payment arrangements.
If a customer is faced with a heat-related utility bill that cannot be paid in full, it is important to:
1) Contact the utility company;
2) State an inability to pay the bill in full;
3) Provide monthly or annual income information;
4) Make a minimum payment;
5) Enter into a payment agreement;
For more information on the PSC’s “Cold Weather Rule”, go to the Commission’s website at www.psc.mo.gov or call the Commission’s Consumer Services hotline at 1 (800) 392-4211. Consumers also can receive “Cold Weather Rule” information from their local natural gas or electric company or the local community action agency.