FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
HELPING EASE WINTER STRUGGLE’S GOAL
OF PSC COLD WEATHER RULE
Lincoln, October 30, 2024- Winter months can be trying, that’s
why the Nebraska Public Service Commission (PSC) is
reminding customers served by the state’s jurisdictional
natural gas utilities of its cold weather rule.
From November 1-through-March 31, Black Hills Energy, and
NorthWestern Energy cannot shut-off service to customers
without allowing an additional 30 days to pay beyond the
normal bill due date. During this period customers of Black
Hills Energy or NorthWestern Energy who are finding it
difficult to pay natural gas bills should contact the company
to arrange payment.
“Despite our mild start to the fall-winter season, we know it
won’t last,” said Commission Chair Dan Watermeier. “Having
the cold weather rule in place allows jurisdictional natural gas
providers to work with their customers to help ensure service
is uninterrupted at a time when natural gas usage is typically
higher.”
The PSC implemented the cold weather rule more than 20
years ago, when it was given regulatory authority over the
Nebraska’s jurisdictional natural gas utilities. It is important
to note that Nebraska communities with municipally owned
natural gas utilities are not subject to regulation by the PSC
and are not required to comply with the cold weather rule.
Local public assistance agencies can also be contacted for
help with natural gas bills including the Nebraska Department
of Health and Human Services Low Income Home Energy
Assistance Program (LIHEAP) and the Salvation Army.
Consumers are also encouraged to take steps to help
minimize the impact of higher natural gas prices during the
winter months. Gas utilities recommend lowering the
thermostat to 68 degrees or lower and to reduce thermostat
settings when a home or building is unoccupied. Obtain a
home energy audit plan to conserve energy and if available
participate in your gas company’s yearly budget plan to
spread cost throughout the years. ###
Contact:
Deb Collins- Communications & Media Mgr.
(402) 471-0226 / deb.collins@nebraska.gov
