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. To protect your service from disconnection you must make and keep a payment plan that you and your utility agree on. The utility must offer a payment plan that is reasonable for your household’s financial circumstances. You can set up a CWR payment plan any time during the CWR 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.

You and your utility must agree to a payment plan that is reasonable for your household. You can set up a CWR payment plan any time during the CWR season.

Yes.You must make and keep a payment plan with your natural gas or electric utility company to receive Cold Weather Rule (CWR) protection. The payments do not need to be the same each month.

Yes, once you make and keep a CWR payment plan, the utility will turn on your heat. As long as you make your payments, you are protected until April 30th.

CWR protection is available to residential customers only. All natural gas and electric companies must offer CWR protection. Different payment plans are available based on household income and natural gas or electric utility company. If you are having a difficult time keeping up with your winter heating bills, you are encouraged to sign up for a CWR payment plan.

Contact your gas or electric company and request a CWR payment plan. Payment plans can be established at any time during the CWR season. If the payment plan is broken, the utility is not required to offer additional arrangements. If you are unable to agree on a payment amount, you have the right to appeal with your natural gas or electric company.

No. Delivered fuels such as fuel oil, propane and wood are not covered by the CWR. If you need electricity to keep your heat on, you may apply for CWR protection with your electric company.

If the natural gas or electric service in your name affects your primary heat, you are eligible for CWR protection.

Contact your gas or electric company immediately to discuss a different payment plan. If you do not make your payments, your service may be shut off.

Financial Assistance Agencies

West Central MN Communities Action, Inc.
411 Industrial Park Boulevard, Elbow Lake, MN 56531
Toll-free: (800) 492-4805, Phone: (218) 685-4486
Fax Elbow Lake Office: (218) 405-3006, Fax Moorhead Office: (218) 331-4593
Office Hours: Mon.-Fri. 8:00-4:30

Otter Tail-Wadena Community Action Council
311 Jefferson Street South, Wadena, MN 56482
Toll-free: (877) 256-7249, Direct: (218) 385-3333, Fax: (218) 385-4544
Office Hours:  Mon.-Fri. 8:00-4:30

Mahube-OTWA Community Action – Detroit Lakes
Main Office: 1125 West River Road, Detroit Lakes, MN 56502
Toll-free: (888) 458-1385, Direct: (218) 847-1385, Fax: (218) 847-1388
Office Hours: Mon.-Fri. 8:00-4:30

Mahube-OTWA Community Action – Fergus Falls
Main Office: 128 West Cavour Ave, Fergus Falls, MN 56537
Direct: (218) 739-3011, Fax: (218) 998-3055
Office Hours: Mon.-Fri. 8:00-4:30

Utility Requirements

Prior to disconnecting service between October 1st and April 30th, the natural gas and electric utility companies must provide you with:

  1. Notice of disconnection
  2. Payment plan options to stop a disconnection
  3. Appeal rights if you and the utility cannot agree on a payment plan
  4. A list of local energy assistance and weatherization providers
  5. A list of no-cost and low-cost methods to conserve energy
  6. A Third Party Notice form