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             >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.