• Applications (PDF)
             >Income Verification Form
             >Third Party Notice

Cold weather and the cost to heat a home can have an impact on a member’s electric bill. MVEC makes every effort to work with members to resolve past due accounts. Your electric cooperative must not disconnect and must reconnect the utility service of a residential member during the period between October 15 and April 15 if the disconnection affects the primary heat source for the residential unit and all of the following conditions are met:

1. The household income of the member is at or below 50% of the state median household income. A municipal utility or cooperative electric association utility may (i) verify income on forms it provides or (ii) obtain verification of income from the local energy assistance provider. A member is deemed to meet the income requirements of this clause if the member receives any form of public assistance, including energy assistance that uses an income eligibility threshold set at or below 50% of the state median household income.

2. A member enters into and makes reasonably timely payments under a payment agreement that considers the financial resources of the household.

3. A member receives referrals to energy assistance, weatherization, conservation, or other programs likely to reduce the member’s energy bills. (a.) A municipal utility or a cooperative electric association must, between August 15 and October 15 each year, notify all residential members of the provisions of this section.

• Minnesota Cold Weather Rule Brochure
• www.staywarm.mn.gov (a collaborative effort between state government agencies, the state's major utilities, and several nonprofit organizations in the energy and social service fields)
  

For additional information about Minnesota’s Cold Weather Rule, go to www.puc.state.mn.us or www.mnvac.org for the Minnesota Valley Action Council – Energy Assistance Program.

Emergency Assistance Contacts
If you require emergency assistance at the time of disconnection, there are various agencies listed below that may be able to assist you.

Minnesota law offers military shut-off protection
Applications (PDF)
           >Military Personnel Shut Off Protection Form

When a household member has been ordered to active duty, for deployment or for a change of duty station, some members may find it hard to pay their utility bills.  Minnesota Law protects military personnel from shut-off if they cannot pay their bill when the following conditions are met: 

1. The household income of the member is at or below 50% of the state median household income. A municipal utility or cooperative electric association utility may (i) verify income on forms it provides or (ii) obtain verification of income from the local energy assistance provider. A member is deemed to meet the income requirements of this clause if the member receives any form of public assistance, including energy assistance that uses an income eligibility threshold set at or below 50% of the state median household income.

2. A member enters into and makes reasonably timely payments under a payment agreement that considers the financial resources of the household.

3. A member receives referrals to energy assistance, weatherization, conservation, or other programs likely to reduce the member’s energy bills.

If a payment schedule can not be agreed upon by MVEC and you, you have the right to appeal.  You can request an appeal form to complete and send to the MVEC Board within ten (10) working days of the date of notice or forfeit your right to appeal. The Board will advise you and MVEC of its decision regarding your appeal. MVEC will honor the payment schedule of the MVEC Board as long as you follow it. 

Energy Assistance Links
If you require emergency assistance at the time of disconnection, there are various agencies that may be able to assist you.

www.staywarm.mn.gov - a collaborative effort between state government agencies, the state's major utilities, and several nonprofit organizations in the energy and social service fields

Local Agency Emergency Assistance Contacts

For additional information about Minnesota’s Utility Payment Arrangements For Military Personnel (Minnesota Statutes, Chapter 325E & 325G), go to https://www.revisor.leg.state.mn.us/statutes/?id=325E.028.