St. Paul, MN — With dangerously cold temperatures forecast across Minnesota this weekend, the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission (PUC) is urging residents to prepare for extreme weather, take steps to use energy wisely, and be aware of the protections available under Minnesota’s Cold Weather Rule.
Periods of extreme cold can place significant strain on the energy system and lead to higher-than-normal household energy use. When many customers use more electricity and natural gas at the same time, overall demand increases, which can also contribute to higher energy costs.
Know your rights: Minnesota’s Cold Weather Rule
Minnesota’s Cold Weather Rule protects residential utility customers from having their electric or natural gas service disconnected between October 1 and April 30. To protect service from disconnection customers must make and keep an agreed-upon payment plan.
The PUC encourages any customer who is struggling to pay their energy bills to contact their utility company immediately to discuss payment plan options and avoid disconnection. Additional energy assistance resources may also be available through local and state programs.
Tips for consumers during extreme cold
The PUC urges residents to stay informed and consider simple steps to reduce energy usage when temperatures plunge. Customers are encouraged to follow their electric and natural gas utilities on social media, sign up for outage and emergency alerts, and monitor utility websites for the latest information and updates.
Additional tips include:
-
Seal leaks and drafts – Use weather stripping, caulk, or door sweeps to block cold drafts and keep warm air indoors.
-
Use natural sunlight – Open curtains and blinds on sunny days to let in warmth and close them at night to help retain heat.
-
Bundle up indoors – Dress in layers and use extra blankets to stay warm without turning up the heat excessively.
-
Maintain heating systems – Change furnace filters regularly and schedule maintenance if possible, to ensure systems run efficiently.
Higher use can mean higher bills
During extreme cold, heating systems often run much more frequently, which can significantly increase energy usage and monthly bills. Conserving energy where possible can help manage costs and reduce pressure on the energy system during peak demand periods.
For more information about the Cold Weather Rule and consumer protections, visit mn.gov/puc/consumers or contact your utility provider directly.
The Minnesota Public Utilities Commission regulates three cornerstone service industries in Minnesota's economy: electricity, natural gas and telephone. The Commission’s mission is to create and maintain a regulatory environment that ensures safe, adequate, and efficient utility services at fair, reasonable rates consistent with State telecommunications and energy policies. It does so by providing independent, consistent, professional, and comprehensive oversight and regulation of utility service providers. Learn more at mn.gov/puc.
