RESOURCE GUIDE
Minnesota winter shutoff protection starts with a payment plan
The Cold Weather Rule covers October 1 through April 30, but households must arrange and maintain an agreement with their utility.
By Staff Writer · Reviewed 2026-10-07
Arrange protection with your utility
Minnesota’s Public Utilities Commission explains that residential gas and electric customers need an agreed payment plan to receive Cold Weather Rule protection. For this winter, the annual protected period runs October 1, 2026–April 30, 2027. Contact the utility to request forms and an affordable arrangement based on household finances.
Renters can qualify when the account is in their name and gas or electricity provides their primary heat. Municipal utilities and electric cooperatives also participate. Delivered oil, propane and wood are outside the rule; households using electricity to operate such a furnace can request protection for that electric service.
If payments become unaffordable
Call the utility immediately to renegotiate rather than miss a payment. If agreement is impossible, request an appeal form from a regulated utility or an inability-to-pay form from a municipal utility or cooperative. Commission appeals are due within 10 days of the form’s date; submit inability-to-pay forms promptly.
For help, contact consumer.puc@state.mn.us or 1-800-657-3782.