The Kansas Corporation Commission is reminding consumers that the state’s Cold Weather Rule begins November 1st. The rule is designed to help Kansans who are behind on their utility payments to avoid disconnection during the winter months.
While the rule is in effect, utility companies cannot disconnect a customer’s service when the local temperatures are forecast to drop below 35 degrees within the following 48-hour period. The KCC implemented the rule in 1983 to prevent utility companies from disconnecting a customer’s natural gas or electric service during periods of extreme cold.
The rule also requires utility companies to offer a 12-month payment plan to allow consumers to maintain or re-establish service. Any residential customer with a past due balance will qualify for payment arrangements; however, it is the customer’s responsibility to contact their gas or electric company to make those arrangements. Payment plan terms to maintain or restore service require that customers agree to pay 1/12th of the total amount owed, 1/12th of the current bill, the full amount of any disconnection or reconnection fee, plus any applicable deposit to the utility. The remaining balance must be paid in equal payments over the next 11 months, in addition to the current monthly bill.
The rule applies only to residential customers of electric and natural gas utility companies under the KCC’s jurisdiction, although many municipal utilities and cooperatives have similar winter weather policies. The rule will remain in effect through March 31st.
