JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. — Missouri’s Cold Weather Rule is in effect through March 31, giving households behind on heat-related utility bills protections against certain shutoffs and a way to request a payment arrangement.

Ameren Missouri says the rule protects customers from service interruption when temperatures are forecast to fall below 32 degrees. The protection applies to qualifying heat-related service, including electricity used to operate a home’s only heating equipment.

Households with a shutoff notice or a past-due balance can contact their utility to ask about a Cold Weather Rule payment arrangement. Customers of a municipal utility or electric cooperative should check with their provider about its winter policy.

Missouri’s winter shutoff protections and heating assistance are separate programs. Customers awaiting help with a bill can contact their utility about payment options while their assistance application is pending.