Kansas utility customers face urgent deadline for support programs
TOPEKA, Kan. (KSNW) — Kansas utility customers facing high energy bills are approaching a critical deadline. Two major support programs — the Cold Weather Rule and the Low Income Energy Assistance Program (LIEAP) — will end on March 31.
State officials urge residents to take immediate action to prevent service shutoffs or missed financial assistance.
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Cold weather rule ending
Since November, the Kansas Corporation Commission's Cold Weather Rule has prevented utility disconnections when temperatures drop below 35 degrees for residential customers. It also requires providers to offer a 12-month payment plan upon request, even for previous defaulters.
But come Monday, that protection ends.
After March 31, customers without payment arrangements or who fall behind may face disconnection, and reconnection could require full payment of outstanding balances based on utility policies.
LIEAP Application Deadline
Also ending Monday is the application window for the Low Income Energy Assistance Program (LIEAP) — a federally funded program that provides a once-per-year benefit to help low-income households cover their heating bills.
To qualify, the Kansas Department for Children and Families must receive applications by 5 p.m. Monday, March 31. More information and the application portal are available at dcf.ks.gov.
Act Now to Avoid Disconnection
The KCC is urging all customers behind on utility payments to act now. Residents can contact their utility provider directly or reach out to the KCC Consumer Protection Office at 800-662-0027 or 785-271-3140 for more information. A full list of assistance programs and regulated utilities is available at kcc.ks.gov.
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
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