The Public Service Commission’s cold weather rule is in effect through March 31
(Missourient) – It’s that time of year again when the Missouri Public Service Commission’s cold weather rule goes into effect. It helps customers pay their heat-related utility bills if they get into trouble. It prevents the tool from cutting off your heat, said Scott Robb, PSC president.
“You know if the temperature is forecast to drop below 32 degrees, so if you’re late on your payments and it starts getting cold and it looks like it’s going to be below freezing, they won’t be able to cut you off at that time.”
The rule, in place since 1977, requires customers to be notified by mail 10 days before the date the utility intends to discontinue service. It also requires that the customer be aware of potential financial assistance in paying the utility bill.
Effective November 1, facilities under PSC jurisdiction cannot disconnect heat-related service when the temperature is expected to drop below 32 degrees within the next 24-hour period. Chief Scott Robb (ROOP) says the rule ensures the situation doesn’t get worse for someone who is suffering.
“Obviously if someone is behind on their bills and they’re struggling, and the last thing you want to do is unplug it right before it freezes, you know if the pipe freezes, or something like that that exacerbates their problem, makes it more difficult for There is also an element of safety for human life.
Facilities that are not under PSC jurisdiction, however, are not subject to the cold weather rule.
Missouri residents over the age of 65 or with a disability are eligible to register with their facilities under the Missouri PSC’s cold weather rule. The rule prohibits heat-related service interruptions when the temperature is expected to drop below 32 degrees. Your local utilities are required to send you notices before anything is shut down, says ROOP Chairman Scott Robb.
“It would never be a surprise to anyone if they didn’t fall under the cold weather rule, but nonetheless, we just wanted to make sure that, at least from the Public Service Commission’s standpoint, we could do everything we could to just not exacerbate the difficult times that Someone passes by.
A customer registered with a facility as elderly or disabled will receive additional notifications before service is disconnected during the Cold Weather Rule period. They may also be eligible for additional minimum payment arrangements.
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