HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The annual “Cold Weather Rule” takes effect Nov. 1 and remains in effect through March 31.
The rule helps to ensure that Kansans can be warm in their home this winter. In most cases, it prevents or limits utility companies from disconnecting a customer’s natural gas or electric service during periods of extreme cold. The rule requires utility companies to offer a 12-month payment plan to allow consumers to maintain or re-establish utility service.
Utility companies cannot initiate disconnection until temperatures are forecast to be above 35 degrees for the next 48 hours. They also must attempt to contact the customer by phone or in person 24 hours before disconnecting service.
They are prohibited from disconnecting a customer’s service when temperatures are forecast to be at or below 35 degrees over the next 24 hours.
However, those behind on their heating bills must contact their utility to let them know that you can’t pay and be allowed a payment plan. Those already on a plan could see service cut off if they don’t pay bills on time.