ENERGY ASSISTANCE

Although this season has spared us extreme temps and bitter winds, many of us still have concerns about the utility bills we will face this winter.

The State of Minnesota has received a variety of funds available to help families pay their energy bills, improve weatherization in their homes, or get funding for emergency repairs. A great new one-stop website for getting information on these programs is www.staywarm.mn.gov. In the spirit of the upcoming holiday season, the site not only gives information for getting help, but also for helping others in need.

Another important piece of information this time of year is the Cold Weather Rule (CWR). If you have trouble paying your heating bill, you must let the utility company know. Unless you take steps under the Cold Weather Rule to protect yourself, your heat and utilities can be shut off. This is true for all residential customers, including senior citizens and families with young children.

The Cold Weather Rule is in effect from October 15 through April 15 each year, and once protections are attained natural gas and electric utilities must follow consumer protections of the rule. If you need electricity to keep your heat on, you may apply for the CWR with your electric company. Under the CWR, you must make and keep a payment plan with your utility. The payments don't have to be the same amount each month. You can also get reconnected if your heat is already shut off.

Contact your utility company if you need to set up a Cold Weather Rule payment plan. You can find more information about this law at the Public Utilities Commission’s website:
www.puc.state.mn.us/PUC/consumers/shut-off-protection/index.html or call the Energy Assistance Hotline 1-800-657-3710 or First Call for Help at 211.

Reprinted from Senator Warren Limmer's November Newsletter