PAYMENT AGREEMENT CAN HELP TAKE THE “STING” OUT OF WINTER HEATING BILLS

Under the Missouri Public Service Commission’s (PSC) Cold Weather Rule (4 CSR 240-13.055), customers who cannot pay their winter heating bills may be eligible for a special agreement to level out payments. Utilities covered by the PSC Cold Weather Rule are required to offer a payment agreement during the cold weather period, November 1 to March 31. (Note: some utilities may voluntarily offer a payment agreement at other times of the year also.)

Under the payment agreement, the utility offers a 12-month budget plan that is designed to cover the total of all pre-existing arrears, current bills and the utility’s estimate of the ensuing bills. The 12-month budget plan can be tailored to meet the needs of the customer so, for example, if the customer would like to level out payments throughout the year, he can do so.

If the customer indicates he is not able to pay the monthly amount called for in the 12-month budget plan, then the utility and customer may, upon mutual agreement, enter into an agreement that allows payment of pre-existing arrears over a reasonable period exceeding 12 months.

The intent of the payment agreement is to take some of the "sting" out of winter heating bills and also help customers pay off delinquent amounts.

DEFAULTS

If a customer has previously defaulted on a payment agreement, then his initial payment under any new agreement must cover all delinquent installments; however, the utility may agree to a lesser initial amount.

UNAUTHORIZED INTERFERENCE OR DIVERSION

Utilities are not required to offer a payment agreement to anyone who has illegally diverted or interfered with the utility’s service.

WHAT YOU CAN DO

Make sure needy/elderly/disabled customers are aware of the availability of a payment agreement with their utility.

• Make copies of this Government Program Report and distribute to these persons.
  
  
• Personally explain how the payment agreement works.
  
  
• If your utility company is not one of those listed in the GPR dated November, 2003, "PSC Cold Weather Rule Overview-Index" as bound by the PSC Rule, check to see if they are voluntarily offering a payment agreement.
  
  
• Highlight the existence of the payment agreement in the Sunday bulletin or organizational newsletter as follows:

  UTILITIES OFFER HELP WITH WINTER HEATING BILLS:
  If you are having trouble paying your winter heating bills, you may qualify for a special payment agreement with your utility. For more information, contact (name of utility company, address, phone number, email address), and (name of parish social concerns contact, address, phone number, email address).

Act as an advocate for customers experiencing trouble with their utility bills. Work with both customers and the utility company to explore the possibility of financial assistance and/or a payment agreement.

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)