The Cold Weather Rule is designed to help Kansans who are behind on their utility payments avoid disconnection during the winter months. It will begin on November 1 and remain in effect through March 31.

“The Kansas Corporation Commission encourages Kansans who are past-due on their utility bills and at risk for disconnection to prepare now for the colder weather by contacting their utility company to make the necessary payment arrangements, said Commission Chair Shari Feist Albrecht.

The Cold Weather Rule was first enacted by the Commission in 1983 to prevent utility companies from disconnecting a customer’s natural gas or electric service during periods of extreme cold. Utility companies are prohibited from disconnecting a customer’s service when temperatures to forecast to be at or below 35 degrees over the next 24 hours.

Utility companies are also required to offer a 12-month payment plan to allow consumers to maintain or re-establish utility service. Any residential customer with a past due balance will qualify for payment arrangements under the Rule. However it is the customer’s responsibility to contact the gas or electric company to make those arrangements.