Background
Minnesota's Cold Weather Rule helps protect members and reconnects their heat from October 1 through April 30. This only applies to residential members. Those affected by the Cold Weather Rule must work with the Cooperative to arrange energy assistance or set up a payment plan.
It is important to note that the Minnesota Cold Weather Rule does not forbid winter cutoffs. If a member receives a disconnection notice, they must act promptly.
Guidelines
An electric cooperative may not disconnect the utility service of a residential cooperative member during the period between October 1 and April 30 if they disconnection affects the primary heat source of the residential unit and ALL the following conditions are met:
- The household income of the Cooperative member is at or below 50 percent of the state median income. Income may be verified on forms provided by the Cooperative or by the local energy assistance provider. A cooperative member meets the income requirement if they receive energy assistance or another type of public assistance that uses an income eligibility threshold set at or below 50 percent of the state median income;
- A cooperative member enters into and makes timely payments under a payment agreement that considers the financial resource of the household; and
- A cooperative member receives, from the Cooperative, referrals to energy assistance programs, weatherization, conservation, or other programs likely to reduce the customer's energy bills.
To understand more about the Cold Weather Rule, including a member's rights and responsibilities in connection with Minnesota's Cold Weather Rule, click on the Cold Weather Rule Brochure button on this page.