Shutoff Protection

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.

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.

Call your natural gas, electric, municipal utility or electric cooperative for more information, or contact the Commission’s Consumer Affairs Office at [email protected] or  651-296-0406, 1-800-657-3782.