This message about cold weather can help to keep your family warm in your home.

First, in Minnesota there is a Cold Weather Rule that says residential customers who cannot pay their bills in full will not lose their heat from October 15 to April 15. If you receive a shut off notice you may qualify if it affects your main heating source. You may apply for one of three plans.

In the first, the Inability to Pay Plan, you must:

• be paid up before October 15
• meet federal income guidelines
• be unable to pay your bill, but willing to make a payment plan

If you were not fully paid up by October 15th, there is also a 10% plan. You pay 10% of your monthly income each month toward your bill.

Finally, there is a Reconnection Plan if you did not pay your bill in full before October 15. YOU MUST APPEAL TO THE PUBLIC UTILITIES COMMISSION WITHIN 7 WORKING DAYS after receiving a shut off notice to qualify for the reconnection plan.

To qualify for the Cold Weather Rule you may have to attend credit-counseling services. For more information about cold weather shut off, call your local utility or in the Excel service area, call 1-800-895-4999.

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