(KANSAS CITY, Kan.) — The Kansas City Board of Public Utilities’ (BPU) Cold Weather Rule, aimed at ensuring residential customers remain connected to power during the colder months, goes into effect tomorrow, November 1 and will remain in place through March 31, 2025.
Under this rule, BPU will not disconnect electric service for residential customers due to non-payment when the National Weather Service forecasts temperatures at or below 32 degrees at any point during an upcoming 24-hour period. This ensures that customers have uninterrupted power when cold weather poses safety risks.
To support customers facing financial difficulties, BPU offers several Customer Assistance Programs:
- Customer Payment Hardship Program: Provides utility bill assistance for customers experiencing challenges such as unemployment, limited income, or health emergencies. This program is administered by the United Way. Customers can call 913-371-6772 or dial 2-1-1 for more information and eligibility requirements.
- Utility Assistance Program: Funding distributed through the United Way and partner agencies such as Avenue of Life, El Centro, and Cross-Lines. For more details, customers can call 2-1-1.
- Utility Payment Arrangement Options: BPU is committed to collaborating with customers to provide flexible payment arrangements when needed. To discuss available options, customers can call 913-573-9145.
For more information, customers are encouraged to contact BPU Customer Service at 913-573-9190.