Cold Weather

Minnesota's Cold Weather Rule

Background

Minnesota's Cold Weather Rule helps protect members from cold weather disconnection 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 and a payment plan.

It is important to note that the Minnesota Cold Weather Rule does allow winter disconnections. A member must act promptly if they receive a disconnection notice (is the RED notice on your electric bill).

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 the disconnection affects the primary heat source of the residential home 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 the local energy assistance provider. A cooperative member meets the income requirements 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 resources 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 member's energy bills.

Click on the links below to learn more about the Cold Weather Rule, including a member's rights and responsibilities in connection with Minnesota's Cold Weather Rule.

Redwood Electric Cooperative Mn Cold Weather Brochure

United Community Action Energy Assistance

EAP Save Energy At Home Brochure

Touchstone Energy 101 Easy Ways to Save Energy and Money Brochure