What is the Cold Weather Rule?
- The “Cold
Weather Rule” prohibits a utility company from cutting
off your service when the temperature is forecasted to be below 30
degrees.
- If your service has already been cut off, you have the right
to be reconnected even if you can’t pay the entire amount of
your past due bill.
Established by the Missouri Public
Service Commission, when does the Cold Weather Rule apply?
- From November through the end of March, the rule is in effect.
- Your
local utility will work out a program to stretch your bill over 12
month period and
- the utility company is required to notify you of other
government programs that may help pay your utility bill.
What is an example of one of those government programs that
could help pay these high heating bill?
- The primary program
is the federal government’s Low Income
Home Energy Assistance Program.
- Under this program, eligible families
receive a grant in the form of a credit from their utility company.
Who is eligible for government assistance?
- It depends on the size of the household and household
expenses and income.
- For example, a household of four, that earns less
than $27,600 annually, is probably eligible.
What steps should someone go through to receive assistance?
- First, call the utility company and try to come up with a payment
plan.
- Then call your local Community Action Agency for assistance... in
Joplin that number is 781-0352.
- Know your rights.
- There is a safety net in place to help.
- You don’t have to be left out in the cold.
Disclaimer
This information is general and may or may not apply to your situation.
The information contained on this web site is not to be considered as
legal advice. Since no two cases are identical, we recommend that you
contact an attorney in your jurisdiction to discuss the specific facts
of your case. Furthermore, since statutes and case law change so frequently
and due to information provided by other sources, we make no warranty
or guarantee concerning the accuracy of the content of this or any other
web sites to which we link.
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