Don’t be surprised if your monthly heating bills go up this fall and winter.
The Kansas Corporation Commission is expecting increases regardless of the heating fuel used, but spokesperson Linda Berry expects an increase in natural gas costs will have the biggest impact on Kansas because nearly 50 percent of state residents use that heating fuel.
Natural gas could go up 30 percent on average, while electricity could go up 6 percent. With this in mind, Berry encourages customers to make changes now to become more energy-efficient like winterizing windows, turning down the water heater’s thermometer or getting into the habit of turning off all the lights as you leave a given room.
Meanwhile, the Cold Weather Rule started Monday and continues to March 31. It provides two main protections for customers. Utilities cannot disconnect services if temperatures go below 35 degrees over a 48-hour time period. They also must offer 12-month payment plans to customers who are behind on their bills.
