Missouri’s Hot Weather Law is now in effect, and there’s a key change people should know about.
Sarah Fontaine with the Missouri Public Service Commission, says a new rule took effect in August.
“It just changed that look ahead time period from 24 hours to 72 hours. So that's when the weather is predicted to be over 95 degrees or a heat index of over 105 degrees between 6AM and 9:00 PM for the following 72 hours," Fontaine says.
The law is meant to protect customers from losing electric or natural gas service during extreme heat if it’s needed to cool their homes. It is in effect through September 30th.
Fontaine says one thing to keep in mind is to be proactive.
“If you're behind, go ahead and reach out, contact the utility company and make sure you kind of start that conversation early on," Fontaine explains. "You are welcome to also reach out to our consumer services hotline here at the commission.”
Customers can call the commission’s consumer hotline at 1-800-392-4241. Under the updated rule, utilities are barred from shutting off service when the National Weather Service forecasts temperatures above 95 degrees or a heat index above 105 during the day over the next 72 hours.
Fontaine also points out elderly people are often impacted.
“They're trying to find ways to save on energy and it's tough during times where the air conditioner has to run a lot," Fontaine says. "We do have on our website kind of some energy saving tips and ways to be safe while also trying to conserve energy during the summer.”
More information about Missouri’s Hot Weather Law can be found by clicking HERE.
Missournet