Cold Weather Rule now in effect

As winter approaches and temperatures drop, the Kansas Corporation Commission (KCC) reminds Kansans that the Cold Weather Rule took effect Tuesday and will remains in effect through Saturday, March 31.

"We encourage consumers to take appropriate steps to prepare for colder temperatures this winter," KCC Chairman Mark Sievers said. "Set your thermostat at a reasonable level, make sure heating equipment is in good working order, caulk and weather strip windows and doorways -- these are all things that can cut down on heating costs. The Cold Weather Rule helps to ensure that Kansans can be warm in their home this winter."

The Cold Weather Rule prohibits utility companies from disconnecting a customer's natural gas or electric service during periods of extreme cold. The Rule requires utility companies to offer a 12-month payment plan to allow consumers to maintain or re-establish utility service.

Disconnection Conditions:

* Utility companies may not initiate disconnection until temperatures are forecast to be above 35 degrees for the next 48 hours.

* Utility companies must contact the customer by phone or in-person 24 hours before disconnecting service.

* Utility companies are prohibited from disconnecting a customer's service when temperatures are forecast to be at or below 35 degrees over the next 24 hours.

The KCC wants Kansans to have the electric and gas service needed to keep their homes warm during the winter months. The KCC also recognizes the customer's responsibility to make arrangements to pay for that service. The Cold Weather Rule was designed in 1983 to ensure that both goals are met. 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.

Payment Plan Conditions to maintain or restore service:

* Customers must contact their utility company and inform that they cannot pay their bill in full.

* Customers must 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.

* Customers must agree to pay the remaining balance in equal payments over the next 11 months, in addition to their current monthly bill.

The Cold Weather Rule applies only to residential customers of electric and natural gas utility companies under the KCC's jurisdiction. For a complete list of utilities regulated by the KCC visit: http://kcc.ks.gov/pi/jurisdictional_utilities.htm.

More information about the Cold Weather Rule is available at: http://kcc.ks.gov/pi/cwr_english.htm. Kansans may also contact their local utility company or the KCC's Office of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection at (800) 662-0027.