FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November Kicks Off Nebraska's Natural
Gas Cold Weather Rule
Lincoln, October 26, 2020 –Beginning Sunday, November 1,
the Nebraska Public Service Commission’s (PSC) cold
weather rule will take effect. The cold weather rule provide
financially strapped customers of Nebraska’s jurisdictional
natural gas utilities a little extra time to pay their bills.
From November 1- through- March 31, Black Hills Energy,
(including Black Hills Legacy and Black Hills Gas
Distribution), and NorthWestern Energy may not shut off
service to customers without allowing an additional 30
days to pay beyond the normal bill due date.
“As we to head into our winter months it is important for
natural gas suppliers’ and customers to work together to
help ensure service is uninterrupted,” said Commission chair
Mary Ridder. "The cold weather rule is designed to facilitate
that relationship by helping to provide assistance for
consumers at a time when natural gas bills are often the
highest.”
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 are reminded that minimizing the impact of higher
natural gas prices during the winter is also important.
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 door
frames, and covering window air conditioners. ###
Contact:
Deb Collins- Media & Communications Mgr.
(402) 471-0226
deb.collins@nebraska.gov
