The Cold Weather Rule takes effect Friday, November 1 in Missouri and Kansas.

There are slight variations between the two states, but in essence, utility customers faced with disconnection notices get a reprieve during the winter months.

 

In Missouri, the rule is in effect Nov. 1 through March 31. The rule bars utilities from disconnecting service when the temperature is forecast to drop below 32 degrees for the following 24-hour period. It requires utilities to notify you by mail at least 10 days prior to date of the proposed disconnection and reqires utilities to make further attempts to contact you within 96 hours prior to disconnection by either a second written notice, a door hanger or at least two telephone call attempts.

The rule also requires utilities to notify you about possible financial help in paying your bills, prohibits disconnection of registered low-income elderly or disabled customers who make a minimum payment and allows you to budget your payments over 12 months.

The rules in Kansas are similar.

Kansas utility companies may not initiate disconnection until temperatures are forecast to be above 35 degrees for the next 48 hours. Utility companies must contact the customer by phone or in-person 24 hours before disconnecting service.
Utility companies are prohibited from disconnecting a customer’s service when temperatures are forecast to be at or below 35 degrees over the next 24 hours.