With winter on the way and home heating costs expected to increase dramatically. Minnesotans should know that the state’s “Cold Weather Rule” took effect Oct. 15 and lasts through the home heating season.

The Cold Weather Rule protects consumers from having their utility service shut off during the winter months. This and other programs are available to Minnesotans who need their heat reconnected or may have trouble paying their heating bills this winter.

The Cold Weather Rule is administered by the Public Utilities Commission through local utility companies which are required to offer shut-off protection to households.  Households with income less than 50 percent of the state median income ($38,364 for a family of four) have the greatest number of payment options. Customers must apply to the utility company that provides their heat. There are special payment plans for households who need to reconnect their heat at the beginning of the heating season. Under the rule, customers must make and keep regular payment plans with their energy provider in exchange for keeping the heat on until April 15, 2008.

“Consumers who think they may qualify for Cold Weather Rule protection should contact their utility before their heat is shut off,” said Deborah Motz of the PUC’s Consumer Affairs Office.

Most utilities offer bill payment options, including budget plans that help even out the amount of each month’s energy bill. Customers receiving energy assistance do not have to show proof of income since they already meet the income qualifications. They simply need to contact the utility to sign up for a payment plan. Contact your utility company for more information

The Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program is federally funded through the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and administered by the Minnesota Department of Commerce through 38 local service providers around the state. This program helps low-income customers pay their heating bills through grant money paid directly to the utility company on behalf of the customer.

EAP grants average $500 and range from $100 to $1,200 depending on family size, income and fuel consumption. The program also intervenes in energy crisis situations and repairs and replaces heating systems. Applications for this winter’s heating season are available now. The program targets income-eligible households with seniors, disabled members and children under 6 years old.

Households with seniors, disabled and children are especially encouraged to apply.

“If you think you qualify and have not yet applied, do so today,” said John Harvanko, Energy Assistance Program director. “Funding is always limited and demand for assistance is expected to increase with the rise in heating prices this winter.”

The easiest way to apply is by mail. You can get an application from a local service provider or the Minnesota Department of Commerce (DOC) website. To find the service provider in your area call 800/657-3710 or go to www.commerce.state.mn.us and then click on the “Heating Assistance” button on the top of the page. Large Print EAP applications are available on the web or upon request.

Service providers determine eligibility, make payments and provide advocacy, outreach and referral services in designated geographic service areas. Local service providers include community action agencies, counties, Indian reservations and other private nonprofit organizations.

Other forms of assistance may be available through county social service programs, community based organizations and non-profit agencies such as Heat Share, administered by the Salvation Army.