Financial Assistance

As part of the Minnesota Cold Weather Rule, MVEC will not disconnect (and must reconnect) your utility service during the period of October 1-April 30, if the disconnection affects the primary heat source for the home and all the following conditions are met:

• The household income of the member is at or below 50 percent of the state median household income.
• A municipal utility or cooperative electric association utility may verify income on forms it provides or 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 percent of the state median household income.
• A member makes “on time” payments under a payment agreement that considers the financial resources of the household.
• A member receives referrals to energy assistance, weatherization, conservation, or other programs likely to reduce the member’s energy bill.
• A municipal utility or a cooperative electric association utility must, between August 15 and October 1 each year, notify all residential members of the provisions of this section.

To request a payment arrangement and see if you are eligible, fill out this income verification form and return it to MVEC at least 5 days prior to your disconnection date.

If you participate in MVEC’s Prepaid Billing Program, use this Prepaid Billing Cold Weather Protection form.

The Minnesota Extreme Heat Law affects the way MVEC handles the disconnection of electricity if you fail to pay your electric bill in the summer. The law states a utility cooperative such as MVEC cannot disconnect electric service to residential members if one of the following conditions is issued by the National Weather Service in their county:

• Excessive heat watch
• Heat advisory
• Excessive heat warning

MVEC will work with you to prevent disconnection and plan a feasible payment schedule if your account becomes past due. However, if you fail to make a payment arrangement with us or break your payment arrangement, we will have your power disconnected once the excessive heat watch, advisory or warning has expired.

Military Disconnection Protection

Minnesota State Statute 325E.028 provides protection against utility disconnection if a member of your household has been issued orders into active duty, for deployment, or for a permanent change in duty station during the period of active duty.

To be considered for military service personnel service protection, you must meet requirements as outlined in the statute, and enter into a payment arrangement plan with Minnesota Valley Electric Cooperative.

Payment Arrangement Plans

• If your household income is below the state median household income or is receiving energy assistance, pay ten percent of your household’s gross monthly income toward your MVEC electric bill.
• If your household income is above the state median household income, make and keep a reasonable payment plan that considers the financial resources of the household.

Application Process

• Electronically: complete the Military Personnel Protection Application and supporting documentation.
• Mail: Print the form, complete, and send supporting documentation to: MVEC, Attention: Member Services, 125 Minnesota Valley Electric Drive, Jordan, MN 55352

For more resources about Minnesota’s Military Energy assistance, visit the Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs.

• State of Minnesota Public Utilities Commission – Cold Weather Rule FAQ’s
• CAP Agency – Energy Assistance Program
• Minnesota Valley Action Council – Energy Assistance Program
• United Way – assistance with paying bills, finding food, and healthcare expenses
• You may also request an application by calling MVAC at (507)345-6822 or (800)767-7139 or by downloading it at mnvac website.

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

• Blue Earth County Assistance (507) 345-6822
• Carver County Social Services (952) 361-1600
• Dakota County Human Services (651) 554-5611
• Hennepin County Energy Assistance (952) 930-3541
• Le Sueur County Human Services (507) 357-2251
• Rice County Human Services (507) 332-6115
• Scott County Human Services  (952) 445-7751
• Sibley County Human Services (507) 237-2981
• Waseca County Human Services (507) 835-8240
• CAP Scott/Carver (952) 496-2125
• CAP Dakota (651) 322-3500
• Heat Share (612) 721-1668, (507) 345-7840 or (888) 999-1568
• Minnesota Valley Action Council (507) 345-6822 (800) 767-7139
• Three Rivers Community Action (507) 732-7391
• United Way 211

During difficult times—or simply as a thoughtful, practical gift, the Gift of Electricity is something you can give any time, for any occasion. You choose the amount, and it will be applied as a credit to the MVEC account of a member you designate.

How it works:

1. Print and complete this form.
2. Mail it to MVEC with your check or money order for the amount you’d like to give. (Please note: you must designate a recipient—we cannot select one for you.)
3. The recipient will receive a certificate letting them know their account was credited. You may include a personal note or remain anonymous.
4. You’ll receive a payment confirmation for your records.

If you don’t have anyone specific in mind:

The CAP Agency manages a program called Reach Out for Warmth. This program assists individuals and families experiencing heating emergencies, including those facing service interruptions or those whose income is just above eligibility for other aid programs.

By donating to Reach Out for Warmth and designating your gift for MVEC members only, you ensure your support goes directly to neighbors in our community who need it most. Every contribution—big or small—helps bring comfort and relief during difficult times.

How to Donate:
Contact Rachel Landreau at the CAP Agency and let her know you’d like your donation to benefit MVEC members:

• Phone: 651-322-3544
• Email Rachel

Thank you for giving the Gift of Electricity and helping to brighten someone’s day!