Learn more about the Cold Weather Rule

Posted by Lauren Dublin on December 5, 2022

Are you having trouble making your electric payments? During the winter months, you may be protected from disconnection through the Cold Weather Rule; in the summer months, the Extreme Heat Law may also apply.

No matter the time of year, Wright-Hennepin is always willing to work with members to avoid the disconnection of the members’ electric service. In order to avoid disconnection, members must contact Wright-Hennepin’s credit department at (763) 477-3000 to make payment arrangements.

Can my electricity still be disconnected while the Cold Weather Rule or Extreme Heat Law is in effect?

Yes, your electricity may still be disconnected. To avoid disconnection, you must make and keep a payment arrangement with Wright-Hennepin’s credit department.

How do I avoid my electricity being disconnected?

If you are unable to pay your electric bill in full during times when Minnesota's Cold Weather Rule or Extreme Heat Law are in effect, you must complete the below “Inability to Pay Application” and email it to info@whe.org or mail it to:

Wright-Hennepin Cooperative Electric Association
Attn: Accounts Receivable
PO Box 330
Rockford, MN 55373

Inability to pay application in English.

Incapacidad para pagar la solicitud en español.

What if I have a medical condition that requires electricity to sustain life?

Per the Minnesota Attorney General’s office, “Minnesota law requires a utility to reconnect or continue service to a customer’s residence where a medical emergency exists or where medical equipment requires electricity to sustain life," but you must provide to Wright-Hennepin written certification (or initial certification by telephone followed by written certification within five (5) business days) that failure to reconnect or continue service will impair or threaten the health or safety of the member or a resident of the member’s household. Certification may be provided by a licensed medical doctor, a licensed physician assistant, an advanced practice registered nurse, or a registered nurse, but only to the extent of verifying the current diagnosis or prescriptions made by a licensed medical doctor.

Please ensure you have filed a critical services physician form with Wright-Hennepin.

How are other Wright-Hennepin members affected if I don’t pay my bill?

We don’t want to interrupt service to any member, but in a cooperative, all members are affected when any bill remains unpaid. Unpaid bill costs are absorbed by members who faithfully pay their bills each month, which could result in a rate increase for all members.

When is the Cold Weather Rule in effect?

The Cold Weather Rule is in effect October 1 to April 30 of every year.

When is the Extreme Heat Law in effect?

The Extreme Heat Law is weather-dependent (i.e., when an excessive heat watch, heat advisory, or excessive heat warning issued by the National Weather Service is in effect in affected counties).

Learn more about the Cold Weather Rule and Extreme Heat Law on the dedicated web page.