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Notice of Residential Customer Rights and Responsibilities
The Minnesota Legislature and Public Utilities Commission have issued the Cold Weather Rule. If a customer account is current as of October 15, a utility must follow a certain procedure before disconnecting the customer's service. The rule is in effect from October 15-April 15.
The purpose of this notice is to inform you of your rights and responsibilities under the Cold Weather Rule. These rights and responsibilities are designed to protect you, the consumer. You must act promptly. If you choose not to assert your rights or choose not to enter into a mutually acceptable payment schedule, your service may be disconnected.
Cold Weather Guidelines
RPU Cold Weather Guidelines protect a residential utility customer from disconnection due to non-payment from October 15-April 15 when the disconnection would affect the primary heat source for the residence and the following conditions are met:
- The household income is less than 50 percent of the state median income;
- The customer pays the utility at least 10 percent of the customer's income or the full amount of the utility bill, whichever is less;
- The 10 percent amount in clause (2) must be prorated between energy providers proportionate to each provider's share of the customer's total energy costs where the customer receives service from more than one provider (for example, electric and gas);
- Verification of income by the local energy assistance provider or the utility, unless the customer is automatically eligible for protection against disconnection as a recipient of any form of public assistance, including energy assistance, that uses income eligibility in an amount at or below the income eligibility in clause (1);
- A requirement that the customer receive referrals to energy assistance, weatherization, conservation, or other programs likely to reduce the customer's energy bills; and
- A requirement that customers who have demonstrated an inability to pay on forms provided for that purpose by the utility, and who make reasonably timely payments to the utility under a payment plan that considers the financial resources of the household, cannot be disconnected from utility service from October 15-April 15. A customer who is receiving energy assistance is deemed to have demonstrated an inability to pay.
Important contacts
Questions and information
RPU Customer Service 507-280-1500
Emergency Assistance
Olmsted County Family Support and Assistance
507-328-6500
Energy conservation and weatherization information
Minnesota Department of Commerce 800-657-3710
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