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Acold weather rule (CWR) orcold weather law is aregulation that prohibitspublic utility companies from disconnecting customers who are unable to pay for the energy used toheat theirhomes during the winter. Such regulations may also require utility companies to reconnect customers during those periods.
Cold weather rules help prevent damage to homes. Winter temperatures can freezewater pipes, potentially causing bursts in the lines as the water inside expands as it turns into ice. Cleaning up after this can lay heavy burdens upon people who are already of limited financial means.[citation needed]
InCanada, electricity cannot be turned off between October 15 and April 15, or any time the temperature goes below 0 degrees Celsius.Limiters can be installed in houses of non-paying user, which disable all but the furnace and a few lights. Tampering with the limiter is illegal.[1]
SeveralU.S. states have such rules, includingKansas,[2]Minnesota,[3] andMissouri.[4] The protection provided by a cold weather rule may not be automatic, and poor customers may have to register with their service provider to indicate either a complete inability to pay or to set up a special payment plan.[citation needed]
In Minnesota, the rule is in effect between October 15 and April 15 of the next year, and requires reconnection ofelectricity and/ornatural gas depending on which energy sources are necessary for heat. The state'sPublic Utilities Commission doesn't regulateliquefied petroleum gas oroil, so those services may not be provided. However, if an LP- or oil-fired heater requires electricity in order to function, the rule requires electrical service to be reconnected.[citation needed]