Minnesota’s Cold Weather Rule takes effect Oct. 1

As the Minnesota Cold Weather Rule takes effect Thursday, Xcel Energy aims to ensure residential customers who need assistance paying their energy bills this winter can get the help they need.

Under the rule, residential customers are protected from service disconnection from Oct. 1 through the following April 30, if the disconnection would affect the customer’s primary heating source. Customers must immediately contact their utility and set up a payment plan if they receive a disconnection notice.

“As colder weather approaches, we encourage customers who may be struggling to contact us,” said Randy Cantu, senior director of Contact Center Operations at Xcel Energy. “Our team can help identify assistance options, establish payment plans and provide resources designed to help them manage their energy bills.”

Income-eligible customers who contact Xcel Energy for Cold Weather Rule protection can establish plans to make monthly payments not to exceed 10 percent of household income and may qualify for additional energy efficiency and conservation programs. Xcel Energy will also provide contact information for local community energy assistance programs.

Xcel Energy recently contacted customers with information about the Cold Weather Rule. For more information, customers can talk with the company’s customer care agents or use its automated phone system by calling 1-800-895-4999. Customers also have the option to log in to My Account by visiting xcelenergy.com/MyAccount.

Customers can visit the Xcel Energy website for more information about the Cold Weather Rule and energy assistance options.