Important Utility Information & Resources
for Consumers

The Missouri Public Service Commission wants to ensure consumers receive safe and reliable utility service from the investor-owned utilities we regulate every day. Below are general questions and answers regarding utility disconnections, and scams. Resources that may be available to assist with utility payments are also included below. 

 

I have a past due utility bill and am in danger of losing service, what should I do? 
It is important that you contact your utility company immediately to indicate that you have a utility bill that you can’t pay in full. If you don’t contact the company, you could face disconnection of service for non-payment. The utility company can provide information to you on the various programs that it has to help eligible customers with their utility bills. The utility company can also provide you with contact information or identify places that might be able to help provide financial assistance in paying your bill.

How can I protect against utility payment scams?

A utility company:

  • Will NOT demand immediate payment or personal information over the phone.
  • Will NOT cut off your utility service for non-payment without advanced warning.

Someone could be trying to get your money or personal information if:

  • You receive an unsolicited call or unscheduled visit from a person claiming to be with the utility company. Ask to see identification. You can also call your utility company to confirm the purpose of the visit.
  • They threaten to immediately cut-off your service unless the bill is paid right away.
  • They demand immediate payment by cash, a pre-paid credit card or gift card.
  • They ask for bank account information, user names or passwords, credit card account numbers or a Social Security number.
  • You receive suspicious emails. Do not open them.

If you receive a call like this, it is important that you hang up and immediately call the utility company to report the call. 

→It is important that you do not provide any personal or financial information to a caller or visitor to your home or business that you do not know. If a telephone number is left on a message from an unknown caller, do not call the number that was provided.

You can also report any incidents of consumer scams and fraud by calling the Missouri Attorney General's Consumer Protection hotline at
1-800-392-8222. 

Financial Assistance Resources 

External / Internet