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New rule prevents consumers from paying for utility services they didn't receive

If you are applying for utilities, a new rule will prevent you from paying for someone else's bills.

Megan Clarke has the story.

It took effect on May 30th, but the Public Service Commission met to fine-tune the new rule that will protect consumers.

After several customer complaints, the Commission along with the Public Counsel negotiated the Denial of Service Rule.

Missouri Public Counsel John Coffman:

THE UTILITY WILL NO LONGER BE ALLOWED TO PUT YOU OVER A BARREL TO PAY FOR SOMEONE ELSES' BILL SIMPLY TO GET ESSENTIAL UTILITY SERVICE.

Before some customers were stuck with old roommates' or previous homeowners' unpaid utility bills and were paying for services they didn't receive.

Now a more-defined rule prevents that.

Reporting from the State Capital, I'm Megan Clarke.

A new rule will protect consumers from paying for utility services that they didn't receive.

Megan Clarke reports.

The Public Service Commission and Public Counsel held a hearing to fine-tune a new rule to protect those applying for utilities.

Gay Fred from the Public Service Commission says the commission has received several complaints from customers who were denied service because they were mistaken for someone who had not paid their bills.

Fred says the new rule eliminates misinterpretations.

THE JEST FOR ALL PARTIES, WHETHER IT BE THE MISSOURI PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION, PUBLIC COUNSEL OR UTILITIES, WE WANTED TO BE SURE WE HAD A CLEAR AND CONCISE RULE.

The rule has been in effect since May 30th and utility companies must comply before November 1st.

Reporting from the Capital, I'm Megan Clarke.