PSC Hears Proposal to Alter Cold Weather Rule

A proposal to enhance aspects of the Cold Weather Rule to make it easier for consumers to keep the heat on this winter has met with the lukewarm response from the Public Service Commission. The Public Counsel wants to loosen the regulations of the rule and has tried to reach agreement with utilities. The PSC has scheduled a hearing for next week on the matter, with some commissioners expressing no interest in changing the Cold Weather Rule for this winter. PSC Chairman Jeff Davis says the Commission needs to make a decision, because time is of the essence. Davis is worried that the huge jump in natural gas prices might combine with cold temperatures this winter, causing more Missourians than normal to have trouble paying their heating bills.