Kansas Cold Weather Rule begins Nov. 1, limiting winter utility shutoffs
SALINA, Kan. — Kansans who are behind on utility bills will get added protection from disconnection starting Sunday, Nov. 1, when the state's Cold Weather Rule takes effect.
The rule, overseen by the Kansas Corporation Commission, runs Nov. 1 through March 31. While it is in effect, utilities under the KCC's jurisdiction cannot disconnect a residential customer's service when temperatures are forecast to drop below 35 degrees within the following 48 hours, except in certain circumstances, according to the commission.
The rule applies to residential customers of electric, natural gas and water utilities regulated by the KCC. Many municipal utilities and cooperatives have similar winter policies but are not covered by the rule, the KCC said in its 2025 announcement.
Customers must call their utility
The protection is not automatic. To prevent disconnection when temperatures are 35 degrees or above, or to have service reconnected regardless of temperature, customers must make payment arrangements with their utility, the KCC says.
Under the rule, regulated utilities must offer a 12-month payment plan. Customers agree to pay one-twelfth of the overdue balance, one-twelfth of the current bill, all disconnection and reconnection fees and any applicable deposit, then pay the rest in equal payments over the next 11 months while also paying their current bills. Customers can also negotiate a plan to pay off the balance faster. The KCC says customers who fell behind on a previous plan can make a new agreement.
Utilities must send written notice 10 days before a disconnection and attempt a phone call or personal contact the day before, according to the KCC. They must also tell customers about agencies that have funds to help pay utility bills.
Kansas Gas Service says it is offering a special reconnection plan through Oct. 31 for customers whose service was cut off for nonpayment and who have exhausted standard arrangements: pay one-twelfth of the total balance to restore service, with the rest billed over 11 months. Customers can call 800-794-4780, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. weekdays.
The KCC put the rule in place in 1983, according to the commission.
Where to get help
- Your utility company (number on your bill)
- KCC Office of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection: 800-662-0027 or 785-271-3140
- KCC Cold Weather Rule page: kcc.ks.gov/consumer-information/cold-weather-rule
- Kansas Gas Service: 800-794-4780; kansasgasservice.com/cares
