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State Representative Sheldon Johnson
100 Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.
651-296-4201
For more information contact: Matt Swenson 651-297-8406
NEWS COLUMN
KEEPING MINNESOTANS WARM THIS WINTER
It seems like it was just a few weeks ago that I was out playing tennis and walking around Lake Phalen in short sleeves. But like you I have already had to pull out my window scraper a few times in the last several days. The weather is starting to change. With the Holidays right around the corner, there’s more than good cheer on the way; there are some bitterly cold days in the forecast ahead.
We’re no stranger to the cold in Minnesota. Growing up I remember standing at the bus stop in below-zero weather, wading through 4-foot snow drifts, and that tingling sensation in my toes after being outside sledding for too long. Some people think we’re crazy for living here. But Minnesotans know why we stick around; we understand this is a special place and a few months of brutally cold weather is just part of the bargain.
But it’s nothing to take lightly either. With rising heating and other utility costs, many people have a hard time keeping up with their bills during the winter months. And it’s not just senior citizens on fixed incomes that have problems making ends meet when the weather turns cold. In this economy, thousands of Minnesotans are struggling to pay their mortgages and keep on track with their monthly bills.
Thankfully Minnesota has a law that protects people from the winter cold. Minnesota’s Cold Weather Rule (CWR) is simple: if you can’t make your monthly utility bills, you can discuss a lower payment plan with your utility provider. By law, your natural gas and electricity providers have to abide by CWR - and they can’t turn off your heat if you hold up your end of that new lower payment plan.
CWR is a reasonable way we can ensure no Minnesotan with a roof over his or her head goes cold this winter.
If you are concerned about paying your monthly utility bills this winter, or are facing a disconnection, you might be eligible for protection under Minnesota’s Cold Weather Rule. In order to get protection under CWR, you need to contact your utility directly to set up a new payment plan. If you can’t make your CWR payments, call your utility immediately to make a new CWR payment plan. If you do not make those payments, your heat may be shut off.
Renters are also qualified to be covered under CWR. If you pay your own utility bill and the utility service affects the primary heat source of your residence, you may be eligible for CWR protection.
The Cold Weather Rule also has a Third Party Notice option if you need help reading or understanding the notices from your utility. If you need help applying for CWR, you can arrange for a friend or family member to get a copy of any disconnection notices or any other important information. To sign up, call your utility for a form which will be filled out and signed by both you and the person you want notified. The third party is not responsible for paying your bill and is only agreeing to help you with the notices from your utility.
CWR is only effective October 15 through April 15. If you or your loved ones are worried about meeting your monthly utility payments, I strongly encourage you to contact your utility service provider immediately. You can also contact the Energy Assistance Hotline at 1-800-657-3710.
If you have any questions or concerns, please contact me directly. I am happy to help in any way I can. Working together, we can keep our neighborhoods warm this winter.
Sheldon Johnson
State Representative
District 67B
(651) 296-4201
rep.sheldon.johnson@house.mn
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