Winter Utility Protections Take Effect Across Plains

Cold-weather utility protections are now in effect across Missouri, Kansas and Nebraska through March 31. In Missouri, heat-related service cannot be disconnected when temperatures are forecast below 32 degrees during daytime hours within the next 72 hours. Kansas bars regulated utilities from disconnecting residential service when temperatures are forecast below 35 degrees within 48 hours and requires them to offer eligible customers 12-month payment plans; customers must contact their utility to arrange one. Nebraska’s rule gives residential customers of the state-regulated natural gas utilities 30 extra days beyond the normal due date to pay past-due bills before disconnection, and customers are urged to contact providers early about payment arrangements and assistance.