DES MOINES, Iowa- The Iowa Utilities Board is requiring power companies to file plans for recovering costs from February's severe weather.
The cold snap last month disrupted energy production and led to a major spike in natural gas and electric costs.
The Utilities Board says it'll approve the companies' plans in time for them to increase rates next month.
MidAmerican Energy has announced its residential customers will see an 18 percent increase in natural gas bills for the rest of the year.
The Utilities Board is also requiring that the power companies' responses to high bill increases will be communicated to customers, and is recommending that customers reach out directly to the companies' for up-to-date information.
As a result of the polar vortex events, inquiries have been opened by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission and the North American Electric Reliability Council, the regional transmission organizations, Midcontinent Independent System Operator, Inc., and the Southwest Power Pool.
The Utilities Board says it's participating in discussions with the regional transmission organizations and is monitoring the federal inquiries.
Customers who are struggling to pay their electric and natural gas utility bills can contact their utility provider directly to discuss specific assistance program options such as budget billing and payment plans. Customers can also contact their local community action agency to check whether they qualify for the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP).
The Utilities Board is also warning about power bill scams.
The board says some customers are getting phone calls, texts and emails threatening utility disconnection if they don't immediately pay bills.
It says Iowa utilities are required to provide advance notice of disconnections, and is advising customers to never provide financial information when receiving demands for payment.
Customers can report suspicious scams to the Iowa Attorney General's office.