FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
PSC COLD WEATHER RULE ASSISTS
NATURAL GAS CONSUMERS
Lincoln, November 1, 2022 – Today, Tuesday, November 1,
marks the beginning of the Nebraska Public Service
Commission’s (PSC) cold weather rule.
From November 1-through- March 31, customers of
Nebraska’s jurisdictional natural gas utilities who may be
facing financial difficulties are given a little extra time to
pay their bills. The cold weather rule means Black Hill
Energy and NorthWestern Energy may not shut off
service without allowing customers an additional
30 days to pay their bill beyond the normal due date.
Qualifying low-income customers may have additional
protections.
“All signs point to another year of increased heating costs,”
said Commission Chair Dan Watermeier. “By encouraging
natural gas suppliers and consumers to work together, the
cold weather rule helps to keep the heat on during the
coldest time of the year.”
Customers finding it difficult to pay natural gas bills should
contact the company to arrange payment. Local public
assistance agencies can also be contacted for help with
natural gas bills including the Nebraska Department of
Health and Human Services and the Salvation Army
The cold weather rule was implemented in 2003 when the PSC
was given regulatory authority over the state’s jurisdictional
utilities. 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.
Commissioner Watermeier said, “We would encourage
consumers to be proactive when it comes to winter heating
bills. Information on assistance can be found by calling your
natural gas utility or visiting their website.”
Consumers can take steps to lower costs by setting
thermostats a little lower. Gas utilities recommend 68
degrees or lower, and to reduce thermostat settings when
a home or building is unoccupied. Check gas appliance
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 ways to conserve energy costs include, improving
insulation in a home by installing storm windows and doors,
attach 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- Communications & Media Mgr.
(402) 471-0226
deb.collins@nebraska.gov
