Kansas’ cold weather rule, which prevents utility companies from shutting down heating services because of lack of payment, ends Tuesday, and Black Hills Energy is encouraging customers to explore billing options and payment plans.

Black Hills Energy can provide customers with payment plans and contact information for local energy assistance agencies, the natural gas utility company said in a release. These resources can be particularly helpful as the cold weather rule ends for the year and heating bills begin to arrive.

“We want to help our customers all we can,” General Manager Todd Jacobs said in the release. “There are more payment options and assistance available to customers who call before their bill is past due.”

Local organizations that can provide energy assistance include The Salvation Army and Warm Hearts of Douglas County, the release said.

Customers can contact the Black Hills Energy about billing and assistance by phone at 888-890-5554 or online at www.blackhillsenergy.com.