Cold Weather Rule: What It Means for Your Utility Shutoff
See Minnesota's winter shutoff dates, income limit, and the payment agreement that keeps heat connected.
The Cold Weather Rule is a Minnesota law that limits heat-related shutoffs of electric and natural gas service from October 1 to April 30. It pauses some shutoffs for eligible households that set up and keep a payment agreement. Protection centers on the primary heat source, not every utility balance.
You must act to receive it, and missed payments can still lead to shutoff.
Verification note: Program terms and availability can change. This page was checked against linked sources on November 04, 2026.
Who qualifies for protection?
Protection is narrow. It applies when disconnection would affect the home's primary heat source. It also requires household income at or below 50% of state median income.
McLeod Cooperative Power outlines both limits in its 2026–2027 Cold Weather Rule explanation. Check your heat fuel and household income before you call.
How do you start protection?
Protection is not automatic. You must contact your utility and enter a payment agreement based on household finances. You must keep that agreement to stay protected through April 30.
The Minnesota Public Utilities Commission explains the contact and agreement requirement in its Minnesota shut-off protection guidance. Before an October-to-April shutoff, the utility must send notice plus payment-plan and assistance information.
- Call the utility as soon as you get notice.
- Share income and expense details for the payment review.
- Get the agreed amount and due date in writing.
- Pay on time and call fast if income drops.
How much do you have to pay?
A qualifying household cannot be required to pay more than 10% of household income toward current and past heating bills. Payment within five working days of the agreed date counts as reasonably timely. Madgett Law explains both standards in its analysis of Minnesota Statute Section 216B.096.
A customer may still agree to pay more by choice. A heating customer who meets the agreed terms cannot be disconnected and must be reconnected.
Can service still be shut off?
Yes, shutoff can still happen. If you do not set up an agreement or you break one, the utility may disconnect after required notices. The Minnesota Attorney General cautions that the rule does not prohibit all utility shutoffs.
Treat any shutoff notice as urgent. Call the utility right away to discuss payment options and assistance information included with the notice.
What if you live outside Minnesota?
Other states set their own dates and rules. Debt does not go away during a shutoff pause. The Indiana Housing and Community Development Authority describes one example in its Energy Assistance Program details.
In Indiana, regulated utilities cannot shut off EAP or LIHEAP-eligible applicants from December 1 to March 15, but unpaid balances remain owed.