Cold Weather Guide

ALERT: Cold Weather Protection

What you should know about the Cold Weather law and winter utility bills.

RPU's objective is to ensure that residential customer accounts are protected during the cold weather period and follow the requirements of Minnesota Statute 216B.097

Minnesota Statute 216B.097 states that a municipal utility must not disconnect and must reconnect the utility service of a residential customer during the period between October 15 and April 15 if the disconnection affects the primary heat source for the residential unit and all of the following conditions are met:

  1. The household income is at or below 50 percent of the state median income. RPU may verify income on forms it provides or obtain verification of income from the local energy assistance provider. A customer is deemed to meet the income requirements of this clause if the customer receives any form of public assistance, including energy assistance, that uses an income eligibility threshold set at or below 50 percent of the state median household income.
  2. The customer enters into and makes reasonably timely payments under a payment agreement that considers the financial resources of the household. "Reasonably timely payment" means payment within five working days of agreed-upon due dates;
  3. The customer receives referrals to energy assitance, weatherization, conservation, or other programs likely to reduce the customer's energy bills.

Applications are required for winter disconnection protection. For more information, call RPU customer service at 507.280.1500.

Before disconnecting service to a residential customer during the period between October 15 and April 15, RPU will provide the following information to the customer:

  1. A notice of proposed disconnection;
  2. A statement explaining the customer's rights and responsibilities;
  3. A list of local energy assistance providers;
  4. A form on which to declare inability to pay; and
  5. A statement explaining available time payment plans and other opportunities to secure continued utility service.

Important Contacts

Emergency Assistance Program
Olmsted County Energy Assistance
507.328.6500
www.co.olmsted.mn.us/cs/fsa/eap
Application Request Line: 507.328.6508

Emergency Assistance
Olmsted County Family Support and Assistance
507.328.6500

Energy Conservation and Weatherization
Minnesota Department of Commerce
800.657.3710