Cold Weather Rule Goes Into Effect As Freezing Temps Are Expected

The Missouri Cold Weather Rule goes into effect soon.

The Public Service Commission says the rule is designed to help customers maybe having some difficulty being able to maintain heat-related utility service during cold spells.

The rule prohibits disconnection of heat-related services on any day when temperatures are forecasted to drop below 32 degrees during the following 72-hour period.

While the rule also maintains that utilities provide more lenient payment terms permitting reconnection of natural gas and electric, customers are still liable for their bills.

Those who are 65 and older or disabled can apply with their utilities.

The rule applies to natural gas and electric investor-owned utilities under PSC jurisdiction providing heat-related service. Municipal utilities, cooperatives and those providing propane delivered by truck, however, are not under PSC jurisdiction.

More information about the Missouri Cold Weather Rule is available on the PSC’s website.