For Immediate Release
PSC COLD WEATHER RULE AIDS
NATURAL GAS CONSUMERS
Lincoln, October 27, 2021 – Monday, November 1, marks the
start of the Nebraska Public Service Commission’s (PSC) cold
weather rule.
The cold weather rule provides customers of Nebraska’s
jurisdictional natural gas utilities who may be facing
difficulties a little extra time to pay their bills. From
November 1- through-March 31, Black Hills Energy and
NorthWestern Energy may not shut off service to customers
without allowing an additional 30 days to pay beyond the
normal bill due date.
“The cold weather rule is especially important this year as
winter heating costs are forecasted to rise,” said Commission
chair Dan Watermeier. “It provides an opportunity for natural
gas suppliers and their customers to work together to ensure
service is uninterrupted during the winter months.”
Customers finding it difficult to pay natural gas bills should
contact the company to arrange payment. Customers can
also contact local public assistance agencies for help with
natural gas bills.
The PSC implemented the cold weather rule when it was
given regulatory authority over the state’s jurisdictional
utilities in 2003. Nebraska communities served by municipally
owned natural gas utilities are not subject to regulation by
the PSC and are not required to comply with the cold weather
rule.
Consumers can take steps to help lower costs by setting the
thermostat a little lower. Gas utilities recommend 68 degrees
or lower, and to reduce thermostat setting when a home or
building is unoccupied. Check gas appliances and space-
heating equipment for efficient operation. Obtain a home
energy audit to identify ways to conserve energy and
participate in a gas company’s yearly budget plan to spread
costs throughout the year.
Other ideas to conserve energy costs include, improving
insulation in a home by installing storm windows and doors,
attaching clear plastic to the inside or outside of windows
and screen doors, caulking around windows and doorframes,
and covering window air conditioners. ###
Contact:
Deb Collins- Media & Communications Mgr.
(402) 471-0226
deb.collins@nebraska.gov
