Cold Weather Rule Effective Oct. 1
Can my electricity be shut off during the winter? YES.
Take the steps below to avoid service interruption during winter months.
Our goal at LREC is to help members stay connected and pay their bills on time. If financial assistance is needed, we can direct you to resources that may help get you through a particularly hard financial time and keep your electricity connected.
If you are running into trouble and worried about paying your electric bill this winter, now is a good time to apply for protection under the Minnesota Cold Weather Rule (CWR).
The rule can help protect eligible residential members from being turned off through April 30, 2027 — but protection is not automatic.
Under the Minnesota CWR, qualifying residential members who cannot pay their full electric bill may receive protection from disconnection between Oct. 1 and April 30, 2027. To keep from being turned off, a member must contact LREC to declare an inability to pay the full amount, meet applicable household-income requirements, complete the required paperwork, and enter into and maintain a mutually acceptable payment arrangement.
The Cold Weather Rule does not eliminate unpaid charges or mean electric service cannot be disconnected.
If you cannot pay your bill in full — or expect to fall behind — call LREC before the payment deadline. Reaching out early gives us the best opportunity to review payment options and explain any protections for which you may qualify.
One of the steps that members may take to avoid being disconnected is to work with us on an acceptable payment plan. We understand paying your bill can be hard at times. We want to work with you to keep your electricity turned on. When you call, be prepared to discuss your current balance, what you can reasonably pay and when you expect to make future payments.
Eligible households may also qualify for help through state or local energy-assistance programs Because funding can be limited, apply as early as possible and provide all requested documentation.
Applying for assistance does not automatically stop a disconnection. You must keep in touch with us and follow the terms of any payment arrangement while your application is being reviewed. If your circumstances change, call immediately rather than missing an agreed payment without explanation.
We are here to help.
We want to work with members to avoid disconnection whenever possible. If you are struggling to pay your bill or want to learn whether the Minnesota CWR applies to your household, visit the Energy Assistance page on our website for additional information.