The cold weather rule, which prevents disconnection of utility services when the temperature dips below a certain level, will end today, March 31.
The rule is in effect on natural gas utilities and also on electric service.
The private natural gas utilities in Wyandotte County are under the Kansas Corporation Commission cold weather rule, which says that between Nov. 1 and March 31, the utility can’t disconnect residential customers when the temperature drops below 35 degrees in a following 48-hour period.
Under the KCC rule, failure to make payment arrangements or to adhere to an existing payment plan could result in disconnection, according to the KCC. Reconnection after March 31 could require past due balances to be paid in full, depending on the utility’s policy, the KCC stated. Customers who are having difficulties paying their bills should call their utility now to make payment arrangements. A 12-month payment plan is available.
The BPU’s cold weather rule states that between Nov. 1 and March 31, BPU will not disconnect residential electric customers for nonpayment of bills when the forecast is at or below 32 degrees for 24 hours. Because it is a public utility, the BPU is not regulated by the KCC.
The BPU has several payment plans available for customers. Customers may call the utility’s customer service line at 913-573-9190. For BPU payment arrangements, call 913-573-9145 during business hours.
There are a number of utility assistance programs available to customers, including the Low-Income Energy Assistance Program. The LIEAP deadline for applications is 5 p.m. today, March 31. Persons may apply at http://www.dcf.ks.gov/services/ees/Pages/EnergyAssistance.aspx.
The Kansas KERA program also has provided utility assistance for renters here. For more information on the program, visit https://kshousingcorp.org/.