The start of November means the return of the Cold Weather Rule, designed to protect Kansans behind on utility payments avoid disconnection during the winter months.
While the Cold Weather 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. First implemented by the Kansas Corporation Commission in 1983, the rule prevents companies from disconnecting a customer’s natural gas or electric service during periods of extreme cold.
The rule, in effect through the end of March, also requires utility companies to offer a 12-month payment plan to allow customers to maintain or re-establish service. The rule only applies to residential customers under the KCC’s jurisdiction. Many municipal utilities and cooperatives have similar winter weather policies.
For more information on the Cold Weather Rule, visit the Kansas Corporation Commission website, at kcc.ks.gov.
