June 1st, 2026 Local News
Jefferson City, Mo. (KFMO) - Missouri residents facing extreme summer heat will have added protection from utility shutoffs this year as the state's Hot Weather Law takes effect June 1 with expanded safeguards for consumers.
The Missouri Public Service Commission is reminding residents that the Hot Weather Law remains in effect through September 30, 2026 and is designed to protect residential customers of investor-owned utility companies from losing electric or natural gas service during dangerous heat conditions.
The law applies when electricity or natural gas is being used as a source of cooling or to operate the only cooling equipment in a residence.
New protections were added through Senate Bill 4, which was approved during the 2025 legislative session. The legislation expanded the forecast protection period under the Hot Weather Law from 24 hours to 72 hours.
Under the updated law, regulated utility companies are prohibited from disconnecting electric or natural gas service if the National Weather Service forecast between 6 a.m. and 9 p.m. predicts that temperatures will exceed 95 degrees Fahrenheit or the heat index will rise above 105 degrees Fahrenheit at any point during the following 72 hours.
The law also prevents service disconnections on days when utility personnel are unavailable to reconnect service during immediately succeeding days if dangerous heat is expected during that time.
While the law prevents utility shutoffs during qualifying weather conditions, consumers are still responsible for paying their utility bills and making arrangements with their utility provider when necessary.
The Missouri Public Service Commission encourages consumers who have questions about the Hot Weather Law or utility service protections to contact the commission or their local utility provider for additional information.
Consumers can learn more by visiting the Missouri Public Service Commission website or by calling the Consumer Services hotline at 1-800-392-4211.