The Kansas Cold Weather Rule will end Wednesday, according to a news release from the Kansas Corporation Commission. This means that Kansans who are behind on electric and natural gas utility bills may be subject to disconnection of service unless they contact their utility company to make payment arrangements.

A variety of payment options are available and will vary by utility, as well as the date disconnections will resume, the release said.

Utility customers experiencing difficulty keeping up with their bills are encouraged to call their utility no later than Wednesday to be eligible for the Cold Weather Rule 12-month payment plan to catch up on overdue accounts. Under the plan, the customer must make an initial payment of 1/12 of the overdue amount, 1/12 of the bill for current service, the full amount of any disconnection or reconnection fees if any, plus any applicable deposit owed to the utility. The balance is billed in equal payments over the next 11 months, in addition to the regular monthly bill.

On December 15, 2020, the commission extended an earlier order related to COVID-19 that required utilities under its jurisdiction to offer 12-month payment plans and waive late fees through the official end of the pandemic. That order is still in effect, but customers who have two previous broken pay agreements may not qualify. That is why it is important to make arrangements before the Cold Weather Rule ends, the KCC said.

To find out more about utility assistance programs in your area, contact your utility or the KCC Consumer Protection Office at 800-662-0027 or 785-271-3140. Utility assistance program information is also posted on the KCC’s website.