(MSC News)--The Kansas Cold Weather Rule is now in effect, providing protection from utility disconnections for customers who fall behind on their bills during the winter months.

The Kansas Corporation Commission says the rule took effect November 1 and will remain in place through March 31.

Under the rule, utility companies cannot disconnect service when local temperatures are forecast to fall below 35 degrees within the following 48 hours.

The rule also requires utilities to offer 12-month payment plans to residential customers with past-due balances, allowing them to maintain or restore service while paying off what they owe.

Customers must contact their utility provider to establish payment arrangements.

The Cold Weather Rule applies to residential customers of utilities regulated by the Kansas Corporation Commission. Municipal utilities and electric cooperatives are not regulated by the commission but may have similar winter disconnection policies.

The rule was established in 1983 to help protect Kansans from losing essential utility services during periods of extreme cold.