Minn. utility 'Cold Weather Rule' kicks in Friday

Minnesota's "Cold Weather Rule" takes effect this coming Friday.

The rule protects residential utility customers, including seniors and families with children, from having their heat shut off in the winter months. To qualify, consumers must contact their utility company to set up a payment plan.

The Minnesota Public Utilities Commission is urging Minnesotans struggling to pay their heating bills to contact their utility right away to ensure they keep the heat on.

The Cold Weather Rule requires electric and natural gas utilities to keep the heat on through April 15 for customers who make and keep payment plans. The PUC says customers who need to reconnect their heat for the winter should call their utility now to take advantage of the plan.

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