The Missouri Public Service Commission’s Cold Weather Rule, designed to help customers with heat-related utility bills, begins on Monday, November 1.

The rule will remain in effect through March 31, 2022.  It has been a part of the Commission’s rules and regulations since 1977.

According to a press release, 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.

Officials say 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 may also be eligible for additional minimum payment arrangements.

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.

If a customer is faced with a heat-related utility bill that cannot be paid in full, it is important to:

• Contact the utility company
• State an inability to pay the bill in full
• Provide monthly or annual income information
• Make a minimum payment
• Enter into a payment agreement

For more information on the PSC’s Cold Weather Rule, please see the Commission’s website at www.psc.mo.gov or call the Commission’s Consumer Services hotline at 1 (800) 392-4211.

Consumers can also receive Cold Weather Rule information from their local natural gas or electric company or the local community action agency.