Missouri ‘Hot Weather Law’ takes effect June 1, preventing utility shutoffs during extreme heat

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (KQTV) -- The Missouri "Hot Weather Law" goes into effect on Monday, June 1, which prohibits utility companies from disconnecting electric services during extreme heat.

Utility companies cannot disconnect service if the National Weather Service forecasts temperatures above 95 degrees or a heat index above 105 degrees within the next 24 hours.

The law was created to protect vulnerable residents from life-threatening heat-related deaths during extreme temperatures.

In St. Joseph, the Community Action Partnership of Greater St. Joseph offers the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program, or LIHEAP, to help families pay home energy bills.

KQ2 will update this article.