The Illinois Commerce Commission is reminding customers that the state’s winter weather rule is in effect now through March 31.

The winter weather rule limits utilities from disconnecting eligible customers who use electric or gas as their primary source of home heating.

“Illinois winters are known for frigid temperatures and frequent snowfall,” ICC Chairman Doug Scott said in a news release from his office. “The winter weather rule protects customers who might otherwise struggle to stay warm during the coldest months of the year.”

The winter weather rule protects residential customers from disconnections when temperatures are forecast at or below 32 degrees, and on days preceding holidays and weekends when the temperature is expected to drop to freezing, according to the release.

Residential customers or master-metered apartment buildings that used gas or electricity as the primary source of space-heating equipment during the previous winter cannot be disconnected for nonpayment unless:

• the utility has offered the customer a deferred payment agreement with a maximum down payment of 10%

• the utility has provided the customer with contact information for public and private aid agencies

• the customer refused to enter a DPA

• all disconnection notice provisions have been met

Heating assistance

Participants of the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program and Percentage of Income Payment Plan, electric space-heating customers, and military personnel and veterans cannot be disconnected if they fall behind on their utility bills, according to the release.

The rule excludes disconnections related to theft, tampering or safety, according to the ICC.

Households struggling to pay their utility bills are encouraged to apply for LIHEAP annually.

Customers with past due balances should contact their utility to enroll in a deferred payment program, the ICC said.

Customers whose electric or gas service already has been disconnected should contact their utility directly to see if they qualify for reconnection at less than the full amount owed, the ICC said.

Customers of Ameren, Nicor, North Shore and Peoples Gas, as well as ComEd, who qualify for LIHEAP or whose incomes are at or below 300% of the federal poverty level are eligible for a monthly discount on their bills through the state’s low-income discount rates.

Enrollment in the above programs is free, and customers can access LIHEAP benefits regardless of immigration status, the ICC said.

Contact the ICC’s Consumer Services Division at 800-524-0795 for further guidance or to file a complaint against a utility.