The Kansas Corporation Commission implemented the Cold Weather Rule in 1983 to prevent utility companies from disconnecting a customer’s natural gas or electric service during periods of extreme cold.

The U.S. Energy Information Administration predicts Midwest household heating with natural gas could see their bills increase by 33% this winter. If the weather is colder than expected then those numbers will be higher.

The Cold Weather Rule also requires utility companies to offer a 12-month payment plan with 1/12 of the current bill 1/12 of the amount owed, the full amount of any disconnection or reconnection fee, plus any deposits that might be required to re-establish or to stay connected. The remaining balance must be paid over the next 11 months, in addition to the current bill.

More information is available on the Kansas Corporation Commission’s website: http://kcc.ks.gov/kcc-consumer-alert-winter­