Minnesota's Cold Weather Rule Takes Effect Oct. 15

MINNEAPOLIS, MN — The Minnesota Cold Weather rule takes effect Saturday and Xcel Energy wants to ensure that residential customers who need assistance paying their energy bills this winter can get help they need.Under the rule, income-eligible customers are protected from service disconnection from Oct. 15 through the following April 15, if the disconnection would affect the customer’s primary heating source.

“We understand that customers can sometimes face challenges paying their electric and natural gas bills and we want to provide the resources they need to make payment arrangements,” said Pat Boland, Manager, Customer Policy and Assistance, in a statement.

“We have several programs and work with many agencies that can provide assistance or identify other resources for customers in need.”

Eligible customers must commit to a monthly payment not to exceed 10 percent of household income, and they must immediately contact the utility and set up a payment plan if they receive a disconnection notice
Xcel Energy will also provide contact information for local community energy assistance programs, according to a news release.

Customers were recently sent information about the cold weather rule with their energy bills. Customers can visit Xcel's website and search cold weather rule or energy assistance for more information.

Image via Conal Gallagher, Flickr, used under Creative Commons