MINNEAPOLIS — Editor's note: The video above first aired in October of 2019.
We may be enjoying a stretch of summer-like weather, but temps will soon be plunging as fall turns to winter, Minnesota's coldest and cruelest season.
Xcel Energy is reminding customers that Minnesota's Cold Weather Rule kicks in Friday, Oct. 1, protecting residential customers from having utilities turned off due to non-payment if it involves a main heating source.
As part of the rule customers are required to immediately contact their utility and set up a payment plan if they receive a disconnection notice.
“We understand our customers can sometimes face challenges paying their electric and natural gas bills and we want to provide options such as payment plans and energy assistance to assist them through these difficult times,” said Chris Cardenas, Xcel Energy vice president of customer care. “We have several programs and work with many agencies who can provide support or identify other resources for customers in need.”
Xcel says income eligible customers can establish payment plans that require them to pay not more than 10% of household income, and adds that they may be eligible for funds that credit up to 75% of existing account balances.
For more on the Cold Energy Rule and programs to help residential customers keep the heat on, log on to the Xcel Energy website, or call Xcel Energy’s residential customer service line at 1-800-895-4999 Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.