Service disconnection does not happen without notice. Customers with past-due balances receive notifications explaining the amount owed, applicable deadlines and actions that may help prevent disconnection.
Before a disconnection occurs, customers may have opportunities to:
- Pay the outstanding balance
- Establish a qualifying payment arrangement
- Apply for available energy assistance programs
- Discuss account-specific options with a customer service representative
If service has already been disconnected, payment or enrollment in an approved arrangement may be required before service can be restored.
The Cold Weather Rule (CWR) is in effect from December 1 through March 31. During this time, you may be able to make arrangements to make it easier for you to pay your energy bill each month and prevent an interruption in service.
If you have not entered a CWR payment plan since 12/01/26, you can avoid disconnection, or have your service restored:
- By making an initial payment of 10% of your total account balance.
- By agreeing to and maintaining a monthly payment plan for the balance owed. In addition to the payment plan, you must continue to pay for current service by paying your monthly Budget Billing amount or your current monthly bill.
If you have been disconnected for non-payment during the prior Cold Weather Period you are eligible for the winter reconnection payment agreement:
- Between November 1 and March 31 for customers without a pending LIHEAP application.
- Between October 1 and March 31 for customers with a pending LIHEAP application.
- If you were not reconnected during the Cold Weather Period in 2025 and by making a payment of 33% of your prior amount billed.
If you demonstrate a financial inability to pay the standard one-third amount, the utility must reconnect service upon:
- Payment of a reasonable amount, and
- Execution of a deferred payment agreement.
A low-income customer automatically qualifies for this provision.
A reasonable amount is defined as:
- 20% of the past-due balance, and
- 20% of any required deposit.
Read more about the Cold Weather Rule
The Cold Weather Rule (CWR) is in effect from November 1 through March 31. During this time, you may be able to make arrangements to make it easier for you to pay your energy bill each month and prevent an interruption in service.
If you have not entered a CWR payment plan since 11/01/26, and did not default on a CWR payment plan during the 2025 CWR period, you can avoid disconnection, or have your service restored:
- By making an initial payment of 12% of your total account balance, plus one month’s average bill amount; and
- By agreeing to and maintaining a monthly payment plan for the balance owed. In addition to the payment plan, you must continue to pay for current service by paying your monthly Budget Billing amount or your current monthly bill.
If you have not entered into a CWR payment plan since 11/01/26, and did default on a CWR payment plan during the 2025 CWR period, you can avoid disconnection, or have your service restored:
- By making an initial payment of 50% of your total account balance;
- By agreeing to and maintaining a monthly payment plan for the balance owed. In addition to the payment plan, you must continue to pay for current service by paying your monthly Budget Billing amount or your current monthly bill.
Read more about the Cold Weather Rule:
Missouri's State Statue
Missouri Public Service Commission’s Cold Weather Rule (Page 12, chapter 13)