Customers struggling with their utility bills are under a state rule protecting them from disconnection on especially cold days.
The Missouri Public Service Commission's Cold Weather Rule, which remains in effect through March 31, prohibits the disconnection of heat services if temperatures are expected to drop below freezing in the next 24 hours. The rule also permits more lenient payment terms for the reconnection of services for natural gas or electric customers and allows them to budget payments over 12 months.
"The Cold Weather Rule applies to natural gas and electric utilities under PSC jurisdiction that provide heat-related service," the commission said in a statement. "Municipally operated systems, cooperatives and those that provide propane delivered by truck are not under PSC jurisdiction."
Customers are required to be notified 10 days before a company intends to disconnect service, with more communication required 96 hours before and then immediately before the disconnection.
The rule also requires customers to be notified if there's financial help available for bill payments and allows for the reconnection of service for a lower payment than the full amount owed.
Eligible customers can register with the PSC as elderly or disabled to receive additional notifications before a proposed disconnection. They may also be eligible for additional minimum payment arrangements, according to the PSC.
Learn more about the Cold Weather Rule at psc.mo.gov.
There are resources available for struggling customers seeking help on their bills before they get to the point of disconnection. The federally-funded Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), administered by the Missouri Department of Social Services (DSS), offers two main types of assistance.
Participants can receive a one-time energy assistance payment for heating and cooling costs from October through September. And, the Energy Crisis Intervention Program, which helps pay energy bills in the case of unexpected financial troubles or other crises, is also available.
The winter iteration of that branch runs November through May, dependent on funding, with a maximum allotment of $1,600.
The program is available to people who are responsible for paying the utilities in their residence, including renters; are Missouri residents and U.S. citizens; have $3,000 or less in monetary accounts; or meet income guidelines for their household size.
Learn more about the program or apply at mydss.mo.gov/utility-assistance/liheap.