PSC’s Cold Weather Rule Begins Next Week

Missouri’s Cold Weather Rule goes into effect on Tuesday, November 1st.

The Missouri Public Service institutes the rule each fall and winter season. It is designed to help customers with heat-related utility bills.

The Cold Weather Rule is followed by natural gas and electric utilities under the Missouri Public Service which provide heat-related service. The rule prohibits the disconnection of heat-related service when the temperature is predicted to drop below 32 degrees during the following 24 hour period. It also provides payment terms to allow for reconnection to natural gas and electric customers. Customers are required to be notified by mail 10 days before the date the utility intends to shut off service and a contact attempt of the customer must be made within 96 hours of a shut off.

Customers may register with a utility to be under the Cold Weather Rule if age 65 or older, disabled to the extent that a medical physician attests that the service must be provided to maintain life and health, or if a formal award letter is obtained from the federal government of disability benefits.