Learn about the Cold Weather Rule now

It might seem early, but with fall’s brush busily painting the Northland, winter isn’t far behind, and with that local utility providers are asking people to apply for protection from having the power disconnected to their house if they cannot make full payment on their electric 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 Grand Marais Public Utility Commission will be sent out before October 15. If a customer wishes to be considered for the program, they should contact PUC Secretary Jan Smith and set up monthly payments for the winter months.

Arrowhead Economic Opportunity Agency (AEOA) has funds to help pay heating bills, but funds are distributed on a first come first served basis. When the money runs out, it’s gone, so customers are encouraged to contact AEOA soon. For parties who meet the financial criteria, AEOA will also send an energy auditor to the home and if work needs to be done they will send work crews to weatherize your house for free.

PUC Secretary Smith explained that customers who qualify for protection from disconnection under the Cold Weather Rule 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 electric utility 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 Grand Marais PUC customer doesn’t apply by October 15 and cannot meet his or her 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 social services to see if they can help, but if there is no assistance received and there is no response from the customer, a shutoff notice will be given, with three additional days before the electricity is shut off.

If you are in doubt about whether you qualify, please contact your utility provider or one of the agencies in your area for more information.

For information on the Cold Weather Rule and assistance