Minnesota Cold Weather Rule and Expanded Benefits for Lower Income Customers Take Effect Friday

(KNSI) — Minnesota’s cold weather rule takes effect October 1st, and along with that, expanded benefits to help lower-income residents pay their heat, electricity, and water bills also kick in.

The cold weather rule normally would take effect October 15th and end April 15th, but that was changed this year by the Minnesota legislature after research showed the weather getting colder earlier and staying cold later. The cold weather rule is now in effect until April 30th.

In the last 20 years, there have been a handful of snowstorms in April, including April 5th through the 8th, 2008, where a band of one to two feet of snow fell over west-central and northern Minnesota. Several inches of snow also fell around Minnesota on April 18th and 19th, 2013, including 23 inches near Babbitt. That year, St. Cloud saw its snowiest April on record with 22 inches. Most recently, the thunder blizzard of April 2018 produced everything from thunderstorm wind damage to blizzard and whiteout conditions.

Canda Henry, Director of Credit and Collections with Xcel Energy, explains that the cold weather rule prevents households from having their main heat source cut off due to non-payment in the coldest part of the year. She says Xcel understands people sometimes have challenges paying their electric and natural gas bills, and they want to ensure their customers are protected.

Henry says if a customer runs into an issue, they need to contact their utility right away and explain. She says Xcel offers payment plans and programs to connect them with support and resources. Income-eligible households can establish a monthly payment plan that does not exceed ten percent of their income. Henry says they have about $2.7 million available for residential customers with an outstanding balance of $1,000 or more. The number to call for help is 1-800-895-4999.

Help is also available through local community energy assistance programs through the Minnesota Department of Commerce.

Mo Schriner, Communications Director for the Minnesota Department of Commerce, says the Energy Assistance Program and Weatherization Assistance Program are now available for people who need help paying for utilities such as heat, water, and electricity. The money comes from the federal government, and a family can get up to $1600 for current energy, heating, and light bills. For past due bills, the program can cover up to $1200.

Henry says Xcel is also concerned about protecting their customers in other ways too.

Scammers, unfortunately, can take advantage of customers, calling them and demanding payment over the phone or through email. She says if you have not gotten any notices from Xcel Energy in the mail regarding a past due account, hang up or delete the email and call them immediately at 1-800-895-4999.

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