PSC Cold Weather Rule Begins Wednesday

The Missouri Public Service Commission says the Cold Weather Rule begins on Wednesday, November 1st. The rule applies to natural gas and electric utilities under jurisdiction of the Public Service Commission which provide heat-related service. It prohibits the disconnection of heat-related service when the temperature is predicted to drop below 32 degrees during the following 24-hour period. It provides more lenient payment terms to reconnect customers with natural gas or electric service. It also allows customers to make budget payments over 12 months, and requires that customers be notified by mail 10 days before the date the utility intends to shut off service. The rule requires the customers be notified of financial help in payment the bill, and allows the reconnection of service for less than the full amount owed.

Municipally operated systems, cooperatives, and those providing propane by truck are not under the PSC jurisdiction, and thus, not subject to the rules.

Customers may register with the utility if they meet age, or disability qualifications.

For more information on the PSC’s Cold Weather Rule, you can go to the Commission’s website at www.psc.mo.gov or call the Commission’s Consumer Services hotline at 1-800-392-4211.