The Missouri Public Service Commission cold weather rule officially takes effect today.
The rule prohibits the disconnection of heat related services when the temperature is predicted to drop below 32 degrees in the following 24 hour period. It prohibits the disconnection of registered elderly and disabled customers who meet certain income guidelines and make minimum payments. It also requires customers be notified by mail ten days in advance of any disconnect, allows customers to budget payments over twelve months, and allows for reconnection of service for less than the full amount owed.
The cold weather rule applies to electric utilities under the Public Service Commission jurisdiction that provide heat related services.
Customers must contact their utility company, state their inability to pay the bill in full, provide income information, make a minimum payment, and customers must enter into a payment agreement.
