Any Minnesotan who received energy assistance, medical aid, food stamps, a pension, unemployment or some other variable need, and has verifiable income less than 50 percent of the median state level, or other proof supporting inability to pay their heating fuel bills, is eligible for the Cold Weather Rule protection. File photo
Snow has already fallen—in some places up to 3 inches—and while the snow has melted, it’s a sign that winter is almost here.
With that the Grand Marais Public Utilities Commission is asking people to apply for protection from having the power disconnected to their house if they cannot make full payment on their electrical bill.
The Minnesota Public Utilities Commission Cold Weather Rule provides that a utility cannot disconnect a residential customer for nonpayment if they are entered into an arrangement with their utility. The contract will run from October 15 to April 15 each year.
Forms from the city will be sent out before October 15. If a customer wishes to be considered for the program, they should contact City Hall to set up monthly payments for the winter months.
Customers who qualify for protection must agree to pay 10 percent of their monthly income to avoid disconnection. This 10 percent must be prorated between energy providers. If a customer uses propane or fuel oil, the city would only receive 30 percent of the 10 percent.
All Minnesota energy resource customers are eligible for a Cold Weather Rule payment plan. Those whose income falls below 50 percent of the state’s Medium Income are not required to pay more than 10 percent of their income. In the summer months, however, customers must catch up on their bill or face having their power shut off.
Under the state’s 2014-2015 guideline, a family of four making $44,912 or less would qualify for the 10 percent of income payment plan.
Any customer who receives energy assistance, state or federal financial assistance, medical aid, food stamps, a pension, unemployment, showing proof of recent job loss, having income less than 50 percent of the median state level, or other proof supporting inability to pay cannot be disconnected.
If a customer doesn’t apply for disconnect service by October 15 and cannot meet their payments, they will receive another form in the mail and be given 20 working days to respond. If there is no follow through the city will notify the local energy provider and social services to see if they can help, but if there is no assistance received and there is no response from the customer, a shut-off notice will be given, with three additional days before the electricity is shut off. If you are in some doubt about whether you qualify, call the city at 387-1848.
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