Nebraska Commission Announces Cold Weather Rule to Support Gas Consumers

The Nebraska Public Service Commission’s cold weather rule came into effect on Nov. 1, 2022 and is expected to run until Mar. 21,2023. The cold weather rule assists gas utility customers facing financial difficulties by giving them additional time to pay their bill. The rule prevents  Black Hill Energy and NorthWestern Energy from stopping supply without granting customers an additional 30 days to pay their bill beyond the regular bill date. Those customers who fall under the low-income bracket receive further assistance.

The cold weather rules were employed in 2003, when the commission was granted regulatory authority over the state’s jurisdictional utilities. Those customers who are supplied by municipally owned gas businesses are not under obligation by the commission’s regulation and are not expected to obey the cold weather rule.

The cooperation between gas suppliers and consumers, will ensure that consumers are able to turn the heat on, during the winter period when temperatures are at their lowest. As part of the assistance from the commission, those consumers who are finding it challenging to pay their gas bills, should contact the utility companies to arrange payment. Moreover, local public support agencies can also be approached for assistance with gas bills.

In order to reduce gas consumption, utilities are recommending a number of actions, which include lowering thermostats, inspecting gas appliance and space heating equipment for efficient operation, conducting a energy audit to pinpoint methods to preserve energy and take part in a gas company’s annual budget proposal to spread bills throughout the year. Utilities have also advised consumers to enhance insulations at home by fitting storm windows and doors and other basic building modifications such as caulking around windows and door frames.