Wright-Hennepin Cold Weather Rule protections

How it works

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. Wright-Hennepin says members must take action to qualify.

To keep service from being disconnected, the household must make and keep a payment plan that the customer and utility agree on. Wright-Hennepin says the utility must offer a payment plan that is reasonable for the household’s financial circumstances.

What it covers

The page is about service protection, not repair money or rebates. It also says Minnesota law requires WH to reconnect or continue electric service when a medical emergency exists or when electricity is needed for life-sustaining medical equipment.

Who must take action

The page says customers who are unable to pay their bill in full must complete an Inability to Pay Application to qualify for state protection during the covered periods.

Timing and deadlines

The CWR protection period stated on the page runs from October 1 through April 30.

If you choose to declare inability to pay, Wright-Hennepin says you must return the Inability to Pay Application within 10 days.

Other protections and notices

Before disconnecting service between October 1 and April 30, electric companies must provide:

• Notice of disconnection
• Payment plan options to stop a disconnection
• Information on how to appeal if the utility and customer cannot agree on a payment plan
• A list of local energy assistance and weatherization providers and no-cost or low-cost energy conservation methods
• A third-party notice form so a named third party can receive copies of notices

Medical critical service

Minnesota law requires WH to reconnect or continue electric service when a medical emergency exists or when electricity is needed for life-sustaining medical equipment. Customers must notify WH, provide required medical certification, and have a Critical Services Physician Form on file. The page says critical medical account status does not guarantee uninterrupted service or remove the responsibility to keep the account in good standing.