The Cold Weather Rule (CWR) helps protect and reconnect your heat from October 15 through April 15.
CWR protection is for residential customers only.
All electric and natural gas companies must offer CWR protection. Different types of payment plans are available, depending on your household income and which electric or natural gas company you have.
If you are having trouble keeping up with your winter heating bills, contact your electric or natural gas company to sign up for a CWR payment plan.
CWR protection ends on April 15. If you still owe on your bill on April 15, you may ask your electric or natural gas company to continue your payment plan.
Call your natural gas or electric company for more information on additional discounts.
FAQs
Can my heat be shut off in the Winter?
YES.
You must make and keep a Cold Weather Rule payment plan with your natural gas or electric utility company to receive Cold Weather Rule (CWR) protection between October 15 and April 15
This is true for all residential customers, including senior citizens and families with young children
Payment plans can be established at any time during the CWR season.
If the payment plan is broken the natural gas or electric company is not required to offer additional arrangements
If you are unable to agree on a payment amount, you request an appeal from your natural gas or electric company.
How do I sign up?
Contact your natural gas or electric company and request a CWR payment plan
Payment plans can be established at anytime during the CWR season. If the payment plan is broken the utility is not required to offer additional arrangements
If you are unable to agree on a payment amount, you have the right to appeal with your natural gas or electric company.
After you sign up
Once you make and keep a CWR payment plan, the utility will turn on your heat. As long as you make your payments, you are protected until April 15
Appeals
If you and the utility cannot agree on a payment plan, you can request and appeal from your natural gas or electric company
You have ten days to submit your appeal to the Commission
The Commission will help you set up a payment plan
Your service will stay on during the appeal process
Does this apply to all utilities?
No. Delivered fuels such as fuel oil, propane and wood are not covered by the CWR.
If you need electricity to keep your heat on, you may apply for CWR protection with your electric company.
Utility Requirements
Before disconnecting service between October 15 and April 15, the natural gas and electric companies must provide you with:
Notice of disconnection
Payment plan options to stop a disconnection
Appeal rights if you and the utility cannot agree on a payment plan
A list of local energy assistance and weatherization providers
A list of no-cost and low-cost methods to conserve energy
A Third Party Notice form
What if I can't make my scheduled payment?
If you can't make your payments, call your utility immediately to make a new CWR payment plan.
If you do not make your payments, your service may be shut off
What if I rent and pay my own utility bills?
If the natural gas or electric service in your name affects your primary heat, you are eligible for CWR protection
Help reading and understanding notices
If you have trouble with utility bills and notices, fill out a Third Party Notice form and the utility will send copies to the person you choose so you don’t miss important dates.
The Third Party is not responsible for paying any bills.
County Human Services
County Human Services departments offer cash, emergency, food, housing, and medical assistance.
Energy Assistance Program
The Energy Assistance Program (EAP) helps pay home heating costs. Households with the lowest incomes and highest energy costs receive the greatest benefit.
