Cold Weather Rule set to begin soon in Kansas
The rule runs from November 1 to March 31
The Cold Weather Rule is set to begin soon in Kansas.
The rule is designed to help Kansans that are behind on utility payments avoid being disconnected during the winter months, according to a news release from the Kansas Corporation Commission.
It will start Monday, November 1 and last through March 31.
Later on in the same news release, it’s stated,
“While the Cold Weather Rule is in effect, utility companies cannot disconnect a customer’s service when local temperatures are forecast to drop below 35 degrees within the following 48-hour period. The Kansas Corporation Commission, the agency that regulates public utilities in the state, implemented the rule in 1983 to prevent utility companies from disconnecting a customer’s natural gas or electric 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. 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.
Payment plan terms to maintain or restore service require that customers agree to pay 1/12th of the total amount owed, 1/12th of the current bill, the full amount of any disconnection or reconnection fee, plus any applicable deposit to the utility. The remaining balance must be paid in equal payments over the next 11 months, in addition to the current monthly bill.”
This rule only applies to residential customers using electric and natural gas utilities under KCC’s jurisdiction.
You can view more about the Cold Weather Rule here.