Cold Weather Rule (CWR)

Minnesota’s Cold Weather Rule (Statute 216B.097) states that a cooperative electric association must not disconnect and must reconnect the utility service of a residential customer during the period of 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 of the customer is at or below 50 percent of the state median household income. A cooperative electric association utility may i) verify income on forms it provides or ii) obtain verification of income from the local energy assistance provider. A customer is deemed to meet 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. A customer enters into and makes reasonably timely payments under a payment agreement that considers the financial resources of the household.
3. A customer receives referrals to energy assistance, weatherization, conservation, or other programs likely to reduce the customer’s energy bills.

Members who qualify for protection under the Cold Weather Rule can complete and submit the Cold Weather Application or can apply with the appropriate energy assistance agency. For more information, including an online application, the MN Department of Commerce website can be found here.

For more information about our Cold Weather Rule guidelines, call SWCE.

To learn more about accessing the EAP, go to the MN Commerce Department.  Additional organizations that may be able to help are also listed below.