The Nebraska Public Service Commission Cold Weather Rule allows for special disconnection and reconnection procedures for Nebraska residential natural gas customers between November 1 and March 31. To avoid disconnection or to reconnect service, residential customers must comply with the following requirements during the November 1 through March 31 Cold Weather Rule period:
1. Inform Black Hills Energy of the inability to pay the bill in full.
2. Provide sufficient information to allow Black Hills Energy to make a payment arrangement.
3. Make an initial payment of one-fourth of the total amount in arrears, plus any required reconnection fee or deposit.
4. Enter into a three-month level payment arrangement covering the remaining account balance plus the current monthly bills.
5. Apply for federal, state, local or other assistance funds for which the customer is eligible.
6. In the event the customer defaults on the level payment arrangement, Black Hills Energy may disconnect service after providing the required notice.
Customers who have been approved as eligible for the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) and have provided documentation to Black Hills Energy may not have service disconnected for nonpayment between November 1 and March 31. Black Hills Energy will:1. Inform the customer of agencies that can assist with payment of utility bills.
2. Make telephone or personal contact with the customer 48 hours prior to disconnection
of service, or leave a notice in writing on
the door if these other notification attempts
are unsuccessful.
3. Add an additional 30 days for payment of a bill during the Cold Weather Rule before disconnecting service.
For questions about the Cold Weather Rule or local energy assistance agencies, please contact Black Hills Energy’s customer service
at 888-890-5554. The Nebraska Public Service Commission regulates Black Hills Energy and can be contacted at 800-526-0017 or www.psc.nebraska.gov.