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

The Kansas Corporation Commission, the agency that regulates public utilities in the state, encouraged Kansans who are past-due on their utility bills and at risk for disconnection to prepare for the colder weather by contacting their utility company to make the necessary payment arrangements.

The Cold Weather Rule prevents 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 are forecast to be at or below 35 degrees within the following 48-hour period.

The Cold Weather Rule also requires utility companies to offer a 12-month payment plan to allow consumer to maintain or re-establish service. Any residential customer with a past due balance will qualify for payment arrangements, however it is the customer’s responsibility to contact their gas or electric company to make those arrangements.