‘Cold weather rule’ takes effect, prevents Kansas utility companies from shutting off service

KCC companies

Electric

  • City of McPherson
  • Empire District Electric Company
  • ITC Great Plains
  • Kansas City Power and Light
  • Kansas Gas and Electric Company
  • Kansas Municipal Energy Agency
  • Mid-Kansas Electric Company
  • Midwest Energy
  • Pioneer Electric Cooperative
  • Westar Energy
  • Wheatland Electric Cooperative

Gas

  • City of Alta Vista
  • Amarillo Natural Gas Company
  • American Energies Gas Service
  • Anadarko Natural Gas Company
  • Atmos Energy
  • Black Hills
  • City of Eskridge
  • Kansas Gas Service
  • Mid-Continent Market Center
  • Midwest Energy

Water

  • Barton Hills Water District
  • Green Acres Mobile Home Park
  • Howison Heights, Inc.
  • Suburban Water Company

Topeka ? The Kansas Corporation Commission’s cold weather rule takes effect Monday and prohibits utility companies from shutting down heating services due to lack of payment form Nov. 1 to March 31.

Those who cannot pay their bill in full must contact their utility company ahead of time and agree to pay:

  • 1/12 of the total amount owed
  • 1/12 of the current bill
  • The full disconnection or reconnection fee
  • Any applicable deposit.

Customers then have to pay the remaining balance over the next 11 months in addition to their current bill.

KCC Chairman Thomas Wright says residents should check their heating equipment now so any problems can be fixed before the first winter storm.

He also suggests families to add extra caulking and weather strips to doorways and windows.

The rule applies for electric and gas companies under the KCC’s jurisdiction, which includes Westar Energy and Kansas Gas Service and can be applied when temperatures of 35 or lower are forecast for the following 24 hours.

Shutoffs must be announced 24 hours in advance, and may be carried out only if the temperature is expected to top 35 degrees for 48 hours.