Minnesota Statute 216B.097: Cold Weather Rule
Cold Weather Rule begins Oct. 1: Take steps now to keep your electric service from being shut off this winter
Minnesota’s seasonal protection can help eligible households avoid shut off, but members must contact Kandiyohi Power Cooperative and take action to qualify.
Our goal at Kandiyohi Power Cooperative (KPC) is to help members stay connected and pay their bills on time. If financial assistance is needed, we can direct you to resources that may help get you through a particularly hard financial time and keep your electricity connected.
If you are running into trouble and worried about paying your electric bill this winter, now is a good time to apply for protection under the Minnesota Cold Weather Rule, which starts Oct. 1. The rule can help protect eligible residential members from being turned off through April 30, but protection is not automatic. Members must contact the cooperative, provide required information and establish a payment plan they can maintain.
What is the Minnesota Cold Weather Rule?
Under the Minnesota Cold Weather Rule, qualifying residential members who cannot pay their full electric bill may receive protection from disconnection between October 1 and April 30. To keep from being turned off, a member must contact KPC, declare an inability to pay the full amount, meet applicable household-income requirements, complete the required paperwork, and enter into and maintain a mutually acceptable payment arrangement.
The Cold Weather Rule does not eliminate unpaid charges or mean electric service cannot be disconnected. Members who do not contact the cooperative, return required forms or keep the terms of their payment plan may lose protection. If you are concerned about your bill, contact us at the cooperative office by calling 800-551-4951 as soon as possible.
Should I wait until I can’t pay my electric bill?
If you cannot pay your bill in full — or expect to fall behind — call the cooperative before the payment deadline. Reaching out early gives staff the best opportunity to review payment options and explain any protections for which you may qualify.
You will be notified before we would shut off your power. However, you should not wait to contact us if you will not be able to pay your electric bill. KPC provides multiple notices before a potential disconnection. Notices are printed on your electric bill and delivered by mail and/or email, phone call, text. If payment or an approved arrangement is not received, service may be disconnected. Disconnect fee, reconnect fee and/or a deposit may be added to your account if you are disconnected for non-payment.
How can I avoid having my electricity shut off?
One of the steps that members may take to avoid being disconnected is to work with us on an acceptable payment plan. We understand paying your bill can be hard at times. We want to work with you to keep your electricity turned on. When you call, be prepared to discuss your current balance, what you can reasonably pay and when you expect to make future payments.
Eligible households may also qualify for help through state or local energy-assistance programs. Because funding can be limited, apply as early as possible and provide all requested documentation. United Community Action Partnership, 200 SW 4th St., PO Box 1359, Willmar, MN 56201 800-992-1710
Applying for assistance does not automatically stop a disconnection. You must keep in touch with us and follow the terms of any payment arrangement while your application is being reviewed. If your circumstances change, call immediately rather than missing an agreed payment without explanation.
Five steps that can help keep your service connected
- Contact the co-op early. Call well before the payment deadline or scheduled disconnection date.
- Respond to every notice. Read letters, emails and account messages, and return requested forms promptly.
- Make a realistic payment arrangement. Agree to an amount and schedule you can reasonably maintain, but it must be enough to keep you from falling way behind.
- Apply for assistance promptly. Ask about local, county and state energy-assistance programs and submit complete documentation.
- Stay in communication. If you cannot meet an agreed payment, contact the co-op immediately to discuss your situation.
We are here to help
We at KPC want to work with members to avoid disconnection whenever possible. If you are struggling to pay your bill or want to learn whether the Minnesota Cold Weather Rule applies to your household, contact United Community Action Partnership.
Notice of Member Rights and Responsibilites and Inability to Pay Form