Thanks to Missouri's Cold Weather Rule, you can't have your heat shut off on extremely cold days just because you failed to pay your bills. The Rule, which took effect yesterday (Nov. 1), says that if the temperature is forecast to be below freezing in the next 24 hours, a utility company must keep your heat on, even if your bill is unpaid. The Rule is in effect until March 31.
Make no mistake - you still have to pay your bill, and your heat can be shut off once the temp gets back above freezing.

The Missouri Public Service Commission enforces the Cold Weather Rule. We also, thanks to a new state law, have a Hot Weather Rule. It basically provides the same protection against shutting off your AC (via your electricity) from June 1 to September 30.

One side note: the Cold Weather Rule only applies to the utilities regulated by the PSC. It does not cover others, including government-owned utilities or electric cooperatives. For their part, the co-ops say they honor the CW Rule, even though they're legally exempt from it.

The PSC has tips on weatherproofing your home here. This can reduce your heating bills. And if you need financial assistance with paying your utility bills, your local Community Action Agency is the place to start.

Side note: The Cold Weather Rule only applies to utilities regulated by the PSC. It doesn't apply to government-owned utilities or electric cooperatives. The co-ops, for their part, say they honor the CW Rule, even though they're not legally required to.