Minnesota’s energy providers and utilities are a great source of information on how to stay warm this winter. The Minnesota Office of Energy Security and the US Department of Energy also have information and data on how we heat our homes and the origin of our major sources of energy.

Cold Weather Rule protection
The Minnesota Public Utilities Commission administers the Cold Weather Rule through the local natural gas and electric utility companies. The Cold Weather Rule protects households from heat shut offs. Under the rule, customers must make and keep a payment plan with their utility company to keep the heat on until April 15. Customers who meet the income guidelines have the greatest number of payment options. Customers at all income levels may apply for a Cold Weather Rule payment plan. Households currently disconnected may apply for a cold Weather Rule payment plan to have their heat reconnected.

• The rule is in effect from October 15- April 15
• Income eligibility ($41,722 for a family of four)
• Households must apply through their natural gas or electric company
• Households must make and keep a payment plan with their natural gas or electric company
• Contact: Consumer Affairs Office of the Public Utilities Commission 651-296-0406 or 1-800-657-3782

Radio Public Service Announcements
Minnesota radio stations are invited to download a 30-second .mp3 file that can be used to promote the resources at this Stay Warm Minnesota website to listeners in your area. Dowload PSA here. Right-click on the link and select "Save link as."

Understanding Natural Gas Prices
Over 67% of Minnesota homes are heated using natural gas. This fact sheet explains the basics of how natural gas is priced, why the price has been increasing in recent years, and what consumers can do to mitigate price increases.

Minnesota Energy Profile
The Energy Information Agency of the US Department of Energy produces an energy profile for each state. This report has the latest information on our production and consumption of energy in Minnesota.

Energy Savers Website
This site from the US Department of Energy provides consumers with free and inexpensive strategies for saving energy and money through the cold months, as well as energy-saving investments that can provide savings over the long term. You'll also find information on financial assistance for energy-saving improvements.

Minnesota Community Action Partnership
Minnesota Community Action Partnership (MinnCAP) is made up of member organizations in communities across Minnesota. Our members are Community Action agencies that offer the last local line of defense for families in need and administer the Low Income Heating Assistance Program.

Public Utilities
Minnesota’s public utilities provide electricity and natural gas service to customers throughout the state. Contact your provider to find out about specific information and programs that can help you stay warm and safe.

Minnesota Municipal Utilities Association (MMUA)
The Minnesota Municipal Utilities Association (MMUA) represents the interests of Minnesota's municipal electric, gas, and water utilities. There are 126 municipal electric and 31 municipal gas utilities in Minnesota. MMUA's mission is to unify and serve as a common voice for municipal utilities, and to provide them with the support they need to be able to improve service to their customers and community.

Minnesota Rural Electric Association (MREA)
The Minnesota Rural Electric Association (MREA) is a service organization for the electric cooperatives of Minnesota. Our mission is to provide service and leadership for electric cooperatives. Minnesota's electric co-ops serve 730,000 customer meters, or about 1.6 million people, covering 85 percent of the geographic area of the state. Most of MREA’s member co-ops conduct local charitable programs for energy assistance, weatherization and other community projects.

Minnesota Propane Association
Propane is used as the primary heat source by nearly 250,000 homes in Minnesota. It has the clean and dependable source of fuel for rural homeowners, farmers, commercial businesses and industry for nearly 100 years.

Minnesota Petroleum Marketers Association
The Association was formed in 1923 to provide services to the petroleum marketer, to help them at all levels of government, and to support fellow marketers. The Petroleum Marketers Association supports the businesses in Minnesota that deliver home heating oil.

Additional Resources

Key tips to Remember

• There is a wealth of information about energy conservation, energy safety and programs and resources
  
• Contact your local heating provider for specific information
  
• The MN State Office of Energy Security is also a great source of additional information