Under the Missouri Public Service Commission’s (PSC) Cold Weather Rule (4 CSR 240-13.055) utility companies must notify customers prior to a cutoff of service. This rule is in effect from November 1 to March 31. Notification must follow this sequence:

• At least ten days prior to the proposed cutoff, the utility company must notify the customer by first class mail of the proposed action;
  
• Within 96 hours preceding the proposed cutoff, the utility company must attempt to contact the customer regarding the proposed action;
  
• Immediately preceding the proposed cutoff, the utility company must again attempt to contact the customer regarding the cutoff action;
  
• If and when a cutoff occurs, the utility company must leave notice of the action at the customer’s residence and provide the address and phone number of the utility company where the customer may arrange to have service restored.

In making these various contacts, the utility company must point out the availability of financial assistance through their local Community Action Agency or through local charitable organizations and briefly describe the payment agreement available through the utility company itself.

Additional Notification Required for Registered Elderly or Disabled:

Individuals 65 or older or disabled persons who cannot leave their home without assistance and whose household income is less than 150 percent of the federal poverty level ($14,700 for household of one) may register with their utility for additional notification.

The initial contact ten days prior to a proposed cutoff must include a first class written notice to the social service or church organization listed on the customer’s registration form (click here for a copy of registration form). At the same time the written notice is mailed, the utility must make two or more attempts to reach the individual by phone and explain the situation.

Prior to any cutoff, the utility company must make personal contact (on the premises) with either the registered customer or a member of the family who is above the age of 15. Naturally, all the requirements regarding explaining the availability of financial assistance are applicable to registered customers.

Helping the Elderly and Disabled Register:

Here are steps you can take to protect your elderly and disabled parishioners from a utility cut-off.

• Identify needy elderly and disabled persons in your parish community.
  
• Print and copy the registration form; click here (PDF). This form has been prepared by the MCC and approved by the PSC.
  
• Help the elderly and disabled complete the registration form. Ask people in your parish - parish council, social concerns committee, concerned citizens - to assist the elderly and disabled complete the form.
  
• Deliver or mail the registration form to the local utility company that provides services to the persons.
  
• Arrange for an individual or agency to receive the notice of pending cutoffs. Any individual - the parish, a parish council member, the parish social concerns committee – may serve as the agent to be notified of a pending cutoff. Be sure the group or person is willing to serve as the agent!

Utility Cutoffs Prohibited in Cold Weather:

In addition to requiring notification of customers prior to a utility cutoff, the PSC Cold Weather Rule prohibits the cutting off gas or electric service in cold weather, as follows:

• On any day when the National Weather Service’s 6 a.m. to 9 a.m. local forecast for the following 24 hours predicts that the temperature will drop below 32 degrees Fahrenheit; and
  
• On any day when the utility personnel will not be available the immediately succeeding day(s) to reconnect service and the National Weather Service’s 6 a.m. to 9 a.m. local forecast predicts temperatures will drop below 32 degrees F. For example, a utility closed for the weekend cannot cut off service on a Friday even if the Saturday forecast is for warm temperatures but Sunday’s forecast calls for temperatures below 32 degrees F.

PSC Cold Weather Rule: Utility Cutoffs and Registration

PSC Cold Weather Rule: Payment Agreement

PSC Cold Weather Rule: Reconnection

For Registration Form Click Here (PDF File)