Financial Assistance Programs

As part of the Minnesota Cold Weather Rule, MVEC will not disconnect (and must reconnect) your utility service during the period of October 15-April 15, if the disconnection affects the primary heat source for the home and all the following conditions are met:

COVID-19 UPDATE

• COVID-19 UPDATE Due to the COVID-19 outbreak, the Minnesota Department of Commerce has made changes to Energy Assistance Program (EPA) Policy.
  • Crisis maximum increase: starting April 7, 2020, through the end of FFY20, Commerce is increasing the Crisis maximum to $1,200. Households with any unpaid past due balance are eligible to request Crisis to pay their past due and current balance. MN Commerce modified the application to indicate this new option.
• As of April 1, the following EAP policy changes are in effect through the end of the EAP program year:
  • The deadline for households to apply for EAP benefits has changed to July 1, 2020.
  • Households applying through July 1, 2020 now only need to provide one-month income. 
  • New applicants are no longer required to submit a Verification of Income and Expense (VIE) form if they claim inadequate or no income.
  • As of June 1, 2020, signatures are no longer required, and applicants can apply at the link above or by phone, email or fax. This does not apply to applications submitted before June 1, 2020.

• 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 15 each year, notify all residential members of the provisions of this section.

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

Cold Weather Rule Protection Application

If you participate in MVEC’s Pay as you Go program, use this Pay as you Go cold weather protection form.

Pay as you Go Cold Weather Rule Protection Application

The Minnesota Extreme Heat Law affects the way MVEC handles 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.

When a household member has been ordered to active duty, deployment or a change of duty station, it may be difficult for the family to pay their utility bills. Minnesota law protects military personnel from shut-off if they can’t pay their bill when 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 bills.

If a payment schedule cannot be agreed upon by MVEC and you, you have the right to appeal. You can request an appeal form and send it to the MVEC Board within 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.

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

Military Shut-Off Protection Application

For more resources about Minnesota’s Military Energy assistance, visit the Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs or the Minnesota Military Family Assistance Centers’ website or Facebook page.

• State of Minnesota Public Utilities Commission – Cold Weather Rule FAQ’s
• CAP Agency – Energy Assistance Program
• Minnesota Valley Action Council – Energy Assistance Program

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

United Way 2-1-1 is available to help Minnesotans 24/7 with an easy-to-remember, three-digit phone number to call to receive free and confidential information on health and human services, including utility-assistance programs.

• Just call 2-1-1 or 800-543-7709 toll free
• Or text your zip code to 898-211
• You can also visit their website to investigate the many opportunities.
• A certified community resource specialist will help you locate available resources in your area.

Please note: Greater Twin Cities United Way 2-1-1 does not provide direct financial assistance. They are an information and referral service, connecting people to resources in the state of Minnesota.