The Missouri Public Service Commission reminds consumers that Missouri’s Cold Weather Law is in effect from November 1st through March 31st each year.
Under the law, disconnection of heat-related service is prohibited on any day temperatures are predicted to drop below 32 degrees between 6:00 a.m. and 9:00 p.m. for the following 72-hour period.
Senate Bill 4, passed in 2025, expanded the forecast protection period from 24 hours to 72 hours.
Additional consumer protections for eligible customers include more lenient payment terms, extended payment plans, and additional notification requirements prior to disconnection. Customers who are disabled or over age 65 may register with their utility and receive additional assistance.
If faced with a heat-related utility bill that cannot be paid in full, it is important for customers to:
1) Contact the utility company.
2) State an inability to pay the bill in full.
3) Provide any required eligibility and verification documentation.
4) Make a minimum payment if required.
5) Enter into a payment agreement if deemed eligible.
For more information on the Cold Weather Law, consumers can visit the Missouri Public Service Commission’s website at www.psc.mo.gov or call the Commission’s Consumer Services hotline at 1-800-392-4211. Consumers may also receive Cold Weather Law information and/or learn of any other utility bill assistance programs from their investor-owned utility company or local community action agency.
Reference:
Sarah Fontaine
Phone: (573) 751-9300
Email: pscnews@psc.mo.gov
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