With people out of work and winter right around the corner, some here in Mid-Missouri might have a hard time paying their heating bill this winter.

The rule starts November 1st and goes through March 31st.

The cold weather rule applies to investor owned utility companies that provide heat related services.

The Missouri Public Service Commission says companies have to give you warning if you are in danger of being disconnected.

The Commission's Carol Gay Fred said, "Those notices will come in form of mail, or a door hanger, it could be a knock on the door, it could be call attempts, but at the very least a customer will receive at least three of those type of those notifications, and the last one being the door knock prior to disconnection actually occurring."

The rule prohibits disconnection if the temperature is predicted to drop below 32 degrees during the following 24 hour period.

And, the company has to allow customers to budget over a 12 month period if they can't pay.

The rule does not apply to coops or municipally operated systems.

If you have consumer complaints you can call 1-800-392-4211.