‘Cold weather rule’ in effect for utilities

The “cold weather rule,” which sets conditions for uninterrupted residential utility service during winter, started Monday, the Kansas Corporation Commission said.

The rule, effective through March 31, generally prohibits disconnection of residential service during extremely cold periods and requires that utility companies offer a 12-month payment plan for past and current bills to allow customers to maintain or re-establish service.

Key aspects of the rule:

  • Disconnections are prohibited when the temperature is forecast to fall below 35 degrees during the next 24 hours.
  • There must be a 48-hour forecast of temperatures of 35 degrees or above before the utility may begin disconnection procedures. The customer must be contacted 24 hours before disconnection.
  • To qualify for cold-weather-rule benefits, customers must inform the utility they cannot pay their bill.

For more information, call the KCC office at (800) 662-0027.