Kansas residents behind on utility bills will gain protection from disconnection starting Sunday, Nov. 1, when the state's Cold Weather Rule takes effect.
The rule, enforced by the Kansas Corporation Commission (KCC), restricts regulated utilities from shutting off a residential customer's electric, gas or water service when local temperatures are forecast to drop below 35 degrees Fahrenheit within 48 hours, except in certain circumstances. The protection runs through Wednesday, March 31, 2027, according to the KCC's Cold Weather Rule page.
The rule covers households served by KCC-regulated utilities, which include Evergy and Kansas Gas Service. It does not cover municipal utilities or rural electric cooperatives, though many of those providers offer similar winter policies, the KCC and Salina311 reported. Residents in Gardner, De Soto and Spring Hill who receive service from a municipal utility or co-op should contact their provider directly to ask about winter protections.
The KCC first put the rule in place in 1983.
Payment arrangements are still required
Residents must call their utility company to set up a payment plan. Without an agreement, a utility can still disconnect service when temperatures are 35 degrees or above, according to the KCC.
Under the rule, regulated utilities must offer a 12-month payment plan. Customers pay one-twelfth of the overdue balance, one-twelfth of the current bill and any applicable deposit owed. The remaining balance is spread over the next 11 months. Customers must also keep paying their current monthly bills on top of the plan, the KCC says.
Customers who fell behind on a previous payment plan can negotiate a new agreement during the Cold Weather Rule period, according to the KCC.
Before any disconnection, utilities must send written notice 10 days in advance and attempt a phone call or personal contact the day before, the KCC says. They must also tell customers about agencies that can help pay bills.
Kansas Gas Service reconnection offer
Salina311 reported that Kansas Gas Service is offering a special reconnection plan through Saturday, Oct. 31, for customers whose service was cut off for nonpayment and who have exhausted standard arrangements. Those customers can pay one-twelfth of the total balance to restore service, with the rest billed over 11 months. The company's customer line is 800-794-4780, available 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. weekdays.
Where to get help
The state's Low Income Energy Assistance Program (LIEAP), a federally funded program that helps eligible households pay heating costs, is not currently accepting applications. The Kansas Department for Children and Families says the 2026 application period has ended, and dates for the next round have not been announced.
Residents who need help paying utility bills can call United Way's 211 hotline or visit 211.org, according to the DCF's energy assistance page.
The KCC's consumer protection office can be reached at 800-662-0027 or 785-271-3140.
