The Missouri Public Service Commission’s Cold Weather Rule is in effect from November 1 to March 31. The rule is designed to protect customers, under certain conditions, from being disconnected in the winter months. Qualifying customers are placed on more lenient payment terms to help avoid possible disconnection.
Cold Weather Rule:
- 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 to be notified of possible financial help in paying the utility bill.
- Allows for the reconnection of service for less than the full amount owed.
- Customers who are registered with the utility company as elderly or disabled will receive additional notifications before a proposed discontinuance of service during the cold weather rule period. They also may be eligible for additional minimum payment arrangements