Many of us hope that winter will never come, of course knowing it always does. Regardless of how much snow, we still need heat. Some of us in rural areas might use wood for warmth while others use natural gas. Whatever source you use, keeping warm in the winter months is so important here in Minnesota. It’s also important to know about the Minnesota Gas Service Cold Weather Rule because we all know that life happens and sometimes it becomes difficult to pay for everything we need.
If you rent, some important information can be found here.
Minnesota Gas Service Cold Weather Rule
Customer rights and responsibilities
The Minnesota Cold Weather Rule protects residential customers having difficulty paying their gas bill from having gas service disconnected from October 15 through April 15. If you receive a disconnection notice, you must act immediately.
Click here to read about this important rule here in Minnesota.
Cold Weather Rule FAQs
Can my heat be shut off in the Winter?
- YES.
- You must make and keep a Cold Weather Rule payment plan with your natural gas or electric utility company to receive Cold Weather Rule (CWR) protection between October 15 and April 15
- This is true for all residential customers, including senior citizens and families with young children
- Payment plans can be established at any time during the CWR season.
- If the payment plan is broken the natural gas or electric company is not required to offer additional arrangements
- If you are unable to agree on a payment amount, you request an appeal from your natural gas or electric company.
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Before disconnecting service between October 15 and April 15, the natural gas and electric companies must provide you with:
- Notice of disconnection
- Payment plan options to stop a disconnection
- Appeal rights if you and the utility cannot agree on a payment plan
- A list of local energy assistance and weatherization providers
- A list of no-cost and low-cost methods to conserve energy
- A Third Party Notice form
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