A program that helps people who are struggling to pay their winter utility bills is ending this week.
The Kansas Cold Weather Rule is in effect throughout the state between November 1 and March 31. The program protects residential customers who can’t fully pay their gas and electric bills from service cut-offs.
The program has been offered by the Kansas Corporation Commission for more than 30 years, and only protects customers from disconnection when temperatures are below 35 degrees. After Thursday, those who use the program will again be subject to service interruptions if they’re not enrolled in a repayment plan.
KCC spokesperson Linda Berry says the program applies to any of the utility companies under the KCC’s jurisdiction, which includes Westar and the Kansas Gas Service.
“It definitely helps [customers] keep their home warm for themselves and their families over the winter months as they figure out how to work on payment plans,” Berry says.
The program requires that participants pay their overdue amount within 12 months, along with their regular monthly bills.
All repayment plans must be set up with the utility companies themselves.
Which companies are under Kansas Corporation Commission's jurisdiction?
Electric
- Empire District Electric Company
- Kansas City Power & Light
- Southern Pioneer
- Westar Energy
Gas
- Amarillo Natural Gas Company
- American Energies Gas Service
- Anadarko Natural Gas Company
- Atmos Energy
- Black Hills
- City of Eskridge
- Kansas Gas Service
- Texas, Kansas, Oklahoma Gas, LLC
Water
- Barton Hills Water District
- Green Acres Mobile Home Park
- Howison Heights, Inc.
- Suburban Water Company
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