Public Service Commission Cold Weather Rule Goes Into Effect Monday

The Missouri Public Service Commission’s Cold Weather Rule, which is designed to help customers with heat-related utility bills, begins on November 1, and will remain in effect through March 31, 2022.

The Cold Weather Rule, which has been a part of the Commission’s rules and regulations since 1977, 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 freezing during the following 24 hour period. It also provides more lenient payment terms permitting reconnection of service for natural gas and/or electric customers and allows customers to budget payments over 12 months.

The rule 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.

Utilities are also required to notify the customer of possible financial help in paying the utility bill and allows for the reconnection of service for less than the full amount owed.

A customer may register with the utility as elderly or disabled, and will then 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.

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.