JEFFERSON CITY, MO. -- The Missouri Public Service Commission’s Cold Weather Rule, will take into effect November 1, 2012. The rule is designed to help customers with heat-related utility bills. The rule will remain in effect through March 31, 2013. The Cold Weather Rule has been a part of the Commission’s rules and regulations since 1977.
The Cold Weather Rule applies to natural gas and electric utilities under PSC jurisdiction that provide heat-related service. The rule does not apply to municipal regulated utilities.
“The Cold Weather Rule provides protections to help Missourians keep their homes warm from what can be a very cold, harsh Missouri winter,” said PSC Chairman Kevin Gunn. “If you have a bill that you can’t pay in full, it is very important that you contact the company. Failing to do so could put your utility service in jeopardy for non-payment.”
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.
- -Prohibits the disconnection of registered elderly and disabled customers who meet certain income guidelines who make a minimum payment.
- -Allows a customer to register with the utility if:
- --65 years of age or older;
- --Disabled to the extent that the customer has filed with the utility a form submitted by a medical physician attesting that your household must have natural gas or electric utility service provided in the home to maintain life or health; or
- --The customer has obtained a formal award letter issued from the federal government of disability benefits.
- -Allows customers to budget payments over 12 months.
- -Allows customers to extend payment of pre-existing arrears beyond 12 months.
- -Does not require a deposit if payment agreement is kept.
- -Requires that customers be notified by mail 10 days before the date the utility intends to shut off service; that an attempt be made to contact the customer within 96 hours before the shut off; that an attempt be made to contact the customer right before the shut off; 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.
If a customer is faced with a heat-related utility bill that they can not pay in full, it is important that the customer:
- -Contact the utility company.
- -State an inability to pay the bill in full.
- -Provide income information either by month or annual income.
- -Make a minimum payment.
- -Enter into a payment agreement
For more information on the Cold Weather Rule, you can check the Public Service Commission's website.
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