The Cold Weather Rule will begin on Saturday, November 1 and remain in effect through March 31.

 

The Cold Weather Rule is designed to help Kansans who are behind on their utility payments avoid disconnection during the winter months. While the Rule is in effect, utility companies cannot disconnect a customer's service when the local temperatures are forecast to drop below 35 degrees within the following 48-hour period. The agency that regulates public utilities in the state, the Kansas Corporation Commission, implemented the rule in 1983 to prevent utility companies from disconnecting a customer's natural gas, electric or water service during periods of extreme cold.

 

The Cold Weather Rule also requires utility companies to offer a 12-month payment plan to allow consumers to maintain or re-establish service. The Cold Weather Rule applies only to residential customers of utility companies under the KCC's jurisdiction, however many municipal utilities and cooperatives have similar winter weather policies.

 

Customers should contact their local utility company for more information.