December 20, 2024
KANSAS CITY, KS— The Kansas City Board of Public Utilities (BPU) has expanded its Cold Weather Rule, designed to protect residential customers during the colder months, now in effect without start or stop dates as of November 21, 2024.
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 in the next 24 hours. This ensures that customers have uninterrupted power when cold weather poses safety risks. Water service can be disconnected at any time.
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.
For media inquiries, please contact Nick Moreno by email: nmoreno@bpu.com, phone: (913) 573-9000, website: www.bpu.com