Nebraska introduces 30-day grace period for winter gas bills

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 2 Nov, 20:08 · Archive

Nebraska's Public Service Commission has activated its Cold Weather Rule, giving natural gas customers an extra 30 days to pay bills before disconnection.

The Nebraska Public Service Commission (PSC) has activated its Cold Weather Rule, which provides natural gas consumers additional time to pay past-due bills before service is disconnected. The rule applies to Nebraska's two jurisdictional natural gas utilities, Black Hills Energy and NorthWestern Energy, and remains in effect until 31 March.

Under the rule, customers must be allowed an additional 30 days to pay beyond the normal due date before disconnection. The PSC has enforced this rule for more than 20 years. PSC Chair Tim Schram said that 'planning ahead and communicating with your utility provider can make a real difference when winter heating bills put more pressure on household budgets that are already stretched thin'.

The PSC reminds customers to contact their providers as early as possible to discuss payment arrangements if they anticipate difficulty paying bills. Nichole Mulcahy, director of the PSC's Natural Gas Department, said customers should not wait for a disconnection notice and should explore energy assistance programmes available in their communities. Municipally owned utilities, such as Omaha-based Metropolitan Utilities District, are not required to comply with the Cold Weather Rule.

How it is being reported

• Nebraska delays winter natural gas shutoffs with 30-day payment grace periodThe Nebraska Public Service Commission (PSC) announced its Cold Weather Rule goes went into effect Sunday, which provides natural gas consumers additional time to pay past-due bills before service is disconnected.1011Now · 2 Nov, 19:34
• Nebraska delays winter natural gas shutoffs with 30-day payment grace periodThe Nebraska Public Service Commission (PSC) announced its Cold Weather Rule goes went into effect Sunday, which provides natural gas consumers additional time to pay past-due bills before service is disconnected.WOWT · 2 Nov, 19:34

In this story: Nebraska Public Service Commission · Black Hills Energy · NorthWestern Energy · Metropolitan Utilities District · Nebraska · Omaha

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