Missouri's Cold Weather Rule took effect at the beginning of November, and Missourians - even ones who would never think of being late with a utility payment - should familiarize themselves with the state law.
The rule is in effect five months of the year, from Nov. 1 through March 31. It prohibits utility companies regulated by the Missouri Public Service Commission from disconnecting gas or electric utility service needed to operate home heating equipment (such as a furnace) due to nonpayment of a utility bill during times of extreme cold.
The law is intended to protect Missourians' health and lives. But understanding the law is needed to fully navigate the bureaucracy and take advantage of its protections. While most of us won't ever need the law for ourselves, we should all know the basics to help loved ones and neighbors who may need to use it.
On any day when the National Weather Service forecasts the temperature will drop below 32 degrees during the following 24 hours, utility providers are prohibited from disconnecting service. In addition, a utility cannot disconnect service on days where it will not be available to reconnect service the next day following disconnection and the temperature the next day is expected to drop below 32 degrees.
Before a PSC-regulated utility shuts off service, among other things it must:
Notify customers of possible financial help to pay delinquent bills;
Send written notice by mail at least 10 days before the proposed shut-off;
Attempt to contact the customer by either a second written notice by mail, a door hanger, or at least two phone calls 96 hours before shut-off;
Attempt to contact the customer on the day of the shut-off.
Service cannot be shut-off during the period if you contact the utility provider and advise of your inability to pay in full, make an "initial payment," or keep up with your payments under a "payment agreement."
Other aspects of the law can be found at the PSC's website: psc.mo.gov.
If you need financial assistance to pay a utility bill, call the United Way at 1-800-427-4626 to find agencies that might be able to help.
Take a little time to understand the law. It could help protect you or someone you know from deadly cold temperatures this winter.
News Tribune