October 17, 2019 – Minnesota’s moratorium protection, known as the Cold Weather Rule, goes into effect from October 15 through April 15. As the cold, winter months approach, it is important that utility customers understand they are protected from shut-offs through utility moratoriums put in place by Public Utility Commissions (PUC).
“The Cold Weather Rule is a critically important law that ensures Minnesotans don’t have their primary source of heat cut off in the cold, winter months,” said Minnesota’s Public Utility Commission Chair, Katie Sieben.
Minnesota also offers the Energy Assistance Program (EAP), which helps pay energy bills, deliver fuel, assist in reconnection of utilities and prevent disconnections as well as educate Minnesotans on energy efficiency and safety. In 2018, more than 125,000 Minnesota households received an average benefit of $525 per household.
To learn more about moratorium protections, read the LIHEAP Clearinghouse publication, “Crisis following the Lifting of a winter Moratorium.”
To learn more about state disconnect policies, visit the LIHEAP Clearinghouse States Disconnection Policies web page.
