Missouri utilities now have fewer days to disconnect customers when it’s super hot or cold outside

Missouri utility companies are now prohibited from shutting off service for longer periods during extreme weather.

The legislature changed the state’s hot and cold weather rules in a massive utility bill called SB4, which takes effect Thursday.

Before, utilities had to pause disconnections for 24 hours when extreme hot or cold weather was in the forecast. Now, they’ll be prevented from shutting off service for 72 hours if temperatures are predicted to be extreme. The rule applies to natural gas or electric utilities.

In the summer, defined as June 1 to Sept. 30, the temperature cutoff is 95 degrees or a 105 heat index. In the winter, Nov. 1 to March 31, it’s 32 degrees or freezing.

The new law would have added 18 protected days if it had been in effect last summer, according to high te