New state law expands ban on utility shutoffs during cold weather

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ) -

Missouri's Cold Weather Rule restricting when utilities can shut off people's gas or electricity is expanding under a new state law.

Investor-owned utilities cannot shut off people's services for nonpayment for 72 hours after temperatures reach below freezing during the day from November 1 to March 31. Those shutoffs were before restricted to just 24 hours after freezing temperatures were recorded.

The Missouri Public Service Commission said elderly or disabled ratepayers can also apply with their utility for further notifications on possible disconnections during the Cold Weather Rule period. PSC spokesperson Forrest Gossett told ABC 17 News the rule also offers people the chance to budget payments over 12 months and extend payments on any money owed.

"The rule itself does not absolve you of your financial obligation," Gossett said. "However, it gives you more lenient payment terms and you need to work with your utility. We strongly encourage people to contact your utility if you're having problems paying your bill."

Gossett said customers can call the PSC for help working with their utility at 800-392-4211.

Records from the PSC show the fewest discontinuances of service take place in the throes of the Cold Weather Rule. The PSC reported 7,822 gas utility shutoffs from November to March, with most of them taking place in November and March. No shutoffs were reported in January or February.

The state's rule only covers investor-owned utilities, and not those of cities or cooperatives. Columbia Water and Light spokesperson Jason West said its cold weather rule abides by the 24 hour shutoff deadline for unpaid accounts.