The Cold Weather Rule begins Thursday in Kansas.
First enacted in 1983, the rule helps residential customers who have a past due balance on their utilities during the fall and winter months. Utilities are not supposed to shut off their services if the temperature goes below 35 degrees or be in the low- to mid-30s for at least 24 hours in most cases.
In general, utility companies have to let customers know the Cold Weather Rule is in effect and customers have the option of spreading their past due payments over 12 months. However, the burden is on the customer to make payment arrangements with their utility companies to avoid a shutoff and related restart fees.
Utilities have to send written notice 10 days before shut-off and also call the day beforehand to alert customers.
The rule ends March 31. For more information, call the Kansas Corporation Commission at 800-662-0027 or your utility.
