What is the Cold Weather Rule?
Minnesotans receive more protections against service disconnection during the Cold Weather Rule (CWR) period, which begins October 1 and runs through April 30. CWR is intended to help electric and gas customers remain connected to energy needed for heating.
It’s a common misconception that utilities aren’t allowed to turn off heating service in the winter months. The Cold Weather Rule does not forbid winter shut-off. Instead, the law identifies additional steps the utility and customer must take before proceeding with a shut off. For example, the utility must follow specific shut-off notification timeframes and the customer must enter into a payment agreement. If you are at risk of service disconnection, contact your utility today to set up a payment plan that works for your budget.
The Cold Weather Rule is for both homeowners and renters that use natural gas and/or electricity service to heat their homes. Protections apply to whichever energy source is used for heating. Households can seek protection from their gas and electric utilities if they have a heating system that requires electricity such as a gas furnace with an electric-powered fan or electric thermostat. To receive protection, the utility account must be in your name.
Under state law, all Minnesotans have the right to a payment plan to pay back past-due utility bills. Utilities must consider households' financial circumstances and any extenuating circumstances and make arrangements that are reasonable for each household.
Additional CWR protections are provided to low-income customers of investor-owned utilities (e.g.CenterPoint Energy, Greater Minnesota Gas, Great Plains Natural Gas, Minnesota Energy Resources, Minnesota Power, Ottertail Power, and Xcel). Customers cannot be made to pay more than 10 percent of household income toward their current and past-due bills during the winter months if:
- Household income is 50 percent of state median or less (i.e., a household that qualifies for Energy Assistance)
- And their heating service would be affected by a utility shutoff.
If you are unable to reach an agreement with your utility that works for your budget, contact the Consumer Affairs Office at the Public Utilities Commission. The Consumer Affairs Office will mediate between you and your utility to help you reach a reasonable payment plan.
See the Public Utility Commission’s webpage about CWR which has detailed explanations and FAQs about the Cold Weather Rule.
Check out CUB’s guide to avoiding disconnection for more information.