Missouri Cold Weather Rule to take effect Nov. 1

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (KQTV) -- The Missouri Public Service Commission is reminding consumers that the state's Cold Weather Law will take effect from Nov. 1 and March 31.

Under the law, disconnection of heat-related service is prohibited on any day temperatures are predicted to drop below 32 degrees between 6 a.m. and 9 p.m. for the following 72-hour period.

Senate Bill 4, passed in 2025, expanded the forecast protection period from 24 hours to 72 hours.

Additional consumer protections for eligible customers include more lenient payment plans and additional notification requirements prior to disconnection.

Customers who are over 65 years old may register with their utility and receive additional assistance.

If faced with a heat-related utility bill that cannot be paid in full, it is important for customers to:

• Contact their utility company
• State an inability to pay the bill in full
• Provide any required eligibility and verification documentation
• Make a minimum payment if required
• Enter into a payment agreement if deemed eligible

More information on the Cold Weather Law can be found at the Missouri Public Service Commission's website at https://psc.mo.gov/, or by calling the Commission's Consumer Services hotline at 1-800-392-4211.