MINNESOTA COLD WEATHER RULE

The Minnesota Cold Weather Rule was developed to protect individuals who may experience difficulty paying their electric utility bills during the winter season from October 1 to April 30.  Worthington Public Utilities will not disconnect your residential electric service during this period if you meet the following requirements: 

1. Disconnection would affect your main heat source
2. Your total household income level is at or less than 50 percent of the State Median Income level (See current guidelines)
3. You have declared the inability to pay on forms provided by Worthington Public Utilities
4. You enter into a payment plan with Worthington Public Utilities and make timely payments under the plan.

It is important to note that the Cold Weather Rule requires that certain actions be taken by customers in order to avoid disconnection.  Failure to provide Worthington Public Utilities with required information and/or failure to arrange a payment plan may result in disconnection of electric service.  The Cold Weather Rule also allows for the use of limiters on your electric system

You may contact Worthington Public Utilities for information if you are experiencing problems in meeting your electric bill obligations during the Cold Weather Rule season.  We will make every effort to work out a reasonable payment schedule or direct you to local agencies available for economic assistance. 

Agencies providing assistance are:  Nobles County Family Service Agency, Southwestern Minnesota Opportunity Council and The Salvation Army HeatShare program.

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