Cold Weather Rule

Minnesota Statue 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 1 and April 30, 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 the agreed-upon due dates;
3. the customer receives referrals to energy assistance, weatherization, conservation, or other programs likely to reduce the customer’s energy bills.

If the above conditions are not met, RPU can disconnect utility service(s) for non-payment during the cold weather period between October 1 and April 30. Before disconnecting a residential service, 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.  

To Apply for Cold Weather Protection

Please contact customer care with any questions at customercare@rpu.org or call 507-280-1500. To apply fill out the cold weather application form.

Specifically, the Cold Weather Rule provides you with these options:

• The Right to declare your inability to pay your utility bill.  If you do so, you must enter into a payment schedule with RPU to maintain your utility service. You have the right to appeal any proposed disconnection to RPU management via the appeals process. You will have to provide proof that you are unable to pay and were current in payments to RPU. If you appeal a disconnection, your service will not be disconnected until the appeal is resolved. Appeals are resolved with RPU management.
• The Responsibility, if you choose to declare inability to pay, is to complete the Cold Weather Protection Application form and return it to RPU within 10 days. If you have proof that you are receiving any form of public assistance, you must also contact RPU to arrange a payment plan.
• The Right to a mutually acceptable payment arrangement with RPU. This payment arrangement will cover your existing past due amounts plus the estimated usage during the payment arrangement period. If you are able to pay, but still wish to enter into a payment arrangement, contact RPU immediately. Payment arrangements can be made via a third party so long as they are authorized on your account.
• The Responsibility of making payments as agreed or promptly notifying RPU of why you cannot keep the payment arrangement. You may request that the original payment arrangement be changed, however any change is subject to RPU approval.
• The Right to request that RPU contact a third party if your service becomes subject to a disconnection. If you have requested third party notification, authorization will be required and noted on your account.