Cold Weather Rule and Winter Disconnects

Can my heat be shut off in the winter?

 What dates are considered winter?

From October 15 through April 15 each year.

Your Rights and Your Responsibilities Summary

(For a printable brochure, click here)

The Minnesota Legislature and Public Utilities Commission have issued the Cold Weather Rule.  If a customer’s account is current as of October15, a utility must go through certain steps before disconnecting a customer’s service.  The rule applies from October15 through April 15.

The purpose of this notice is to inform you of your rights and responsibilities under the Cold Weather Rule.  These rights and responsibilities are designed to help you with winter utility bills.  You must act PROMPTLY!  If you choose not to assert your rights or choose not to enter into a mutually acceptable payment schedule, your service may be disconnected.

Specifically, the Cold Weather Rule provides you with these options:

THE RIGHT to declare your Inability to Pay your utility bill.  If you do so, you must enter into a payment schedule with the utility to maintain your utility service.  You have the right to appeal any proposed disconnection to your local utility.  You will have to provide the utility proof that you are unable to pay and were current in payments to the utility.  If you appeal a disconnection, your service will not be disconnected until the appeal is resolved.  Appeals are resolved locally.

THE RESPONSIBILITY, if you choose to declare Inability to Pay, to complete the “Inability to Pay’ form and return it to the utility within 10 days.  If you have proof that you are receiving any form of public assistance, you do not need to fill out the Inability to Pay Form.  If you mail this form or can prove your receipt of public assistance, you must also contact the utility to arrange a payment plan.

THE RIGHT to a mutually acceptable payment schedule with the utility.  This payment schedule will cover your existing arrears plus the estimated usage during the payment schedule period. If you are able to pay but still wish to enter into a payment schedule, contact the utility immediately to arrange a schedule.  (This payment schedule may be arranged by your designated third party.)

THE RESPONSIBILITY of making payments as agreed or promptly notifying the utility why you cannot keep the agreement.  You may then request that the original payment schedule be changed.  Any change is initially subject to the utility’s approval.

THE RIGHT to request that the utility notify a third party if your service becomes subject to disconnection If you have requested third party notification, a copy of this notice has been sent to the third party.

Disputes regarding the previously listed options can be appealed to your utility. Copies of the Cold Weather Rules are available at your local utility.

Where can you receive financial assistance?

If you need help paying your electric utility bills, you may qualify for state or federal fuel assistance.  For complete qualifications and application information, contact your local county welfare or Community/Citizens’ Action Council (CAC).  These organizations may also provide budget counseling.  Please call:

Pennington County Social Services
318 Knight Ave. N.
Thief River Falls, MN  56701
(218) 681-2880

Inter-County Community Council
P.O. Box 189
Oklee, MN  56742
(218) 796-5144
1-888-778-4008
Department of Commerce Website