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Cold Weather Rule in effect

By John Nixon

11/02/2025

(KLZA)-- As temperatures begin to plunge, the Nebraska Public Service Commission (PSC) reminds natural gas customers of its Cold Weather Rule that provides additional protection from service disconnection November 1 through March 31.

During this period, the state- jurisdictional natural gas utilities - 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. The Falls City Utility Department follows the same Cold Weather Rule.

Customers anticipating difficulty paying their natural gas bill should contact the provider to make payment arrangements.

The Public Service Commission adopted the Cold Weather Rule more than 20 years ago, when it assumed regulatory oversight of Nebraska- jurisdictional natural gas utilities. Municipally owned natural gas utilities are not subject to PSC regulation and are not required to comply with
the Cold Weather Rule, but as mentioned, Falls City Utilities does follow the Cold Weather Rule.

The PSC encourages any customers facing hardship to contact their utility providers early to discuss payment plans or assistance options.

Customers can also contact energy assistance programs such as Salvation Army HeatShare and the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program.

Additional resources are available on the PSC Natural Gas Department- consumer webpage or by contacting psc.naturalgas@nebraska.gov

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