Cold Weather Rule Now in Effect

Minnesota — Furnaces and electric heaters are being turned across the Minnesota to take the edge off the chill of fall air. But for those who may struggle this fall and winter to keep up hefty heating bills, the good news is that Minnesota’s Cold Weather Rule is now in effect. Minnesota’s Cold Weather Rule (CWR) is a state law that protects residential utility customers from having electric or natural gas service shut off between October 1 and April 30. However, to protect your service from disconnection you must make and keep a payment plan that you and your utility agree on, according to City of Ada Public Works Director Brian Rasmussen.

You can set up a payment plan any time during the Cold Weather Rule season.

You are eligible for CWR protection even if you rent – the electricity or gas must be the primary heat source and the utility account must be in your name.

All natural gas and electric utilities must offer CWR protection. CWR does not apply to delivered fuels; oil and propane or wood. If you use delivered fuels, and your furnace is run by electricity, you should apply for CWR protection with your electric company.