The Minnesota Cold Weather Rule takes effect Tuesday, and Xcel Energy wants to ensure that residential customers who need assistance paying their energy bills this winter can get the help they need.

Under the rule, residential customers are protected from service disconnection from Oct. 1 through the following April 30, if the disconnection would affect the customer’s primary heating source. Customers must immediately contact their utility and set up a payment plan if they receive a disconnection notice.

“We work with several local and state agencies to provide a variety of assistance options for our customers.” said Canda Henry, vice president, customer care. “We encourage customers who are having trouble paying their bill to contact us to set up pay arrangements.”

Income-eligible customers who contact Xcel Energy for Cold Weather Rule protection can establish plans to make monthly payments not to exceed 10 percent of household income. Xcel Energy will also provide contact information for local community energy assistance programs.

The Minnesota Energy Assistance Program pays up to $2,000 towards heat, power, water costs or repairing or replacing a broken heating system for eligible households. For more information, visit mn.gov/EnergyAssistance or call 1-800-657-3710. Income eligible households may also qualify for additional energy efficiency and conservation programs through Xcel Energy.

Xcel Energy recently contacted customers with information about the Cold Weather Rule. For more information, customers can talk with one of our dedicated customer care agents or use our automated phone system by calling 1-800-895-4999. Customers also have the option go online and login to My Account by visiting xcelenergy.com/MyAccount.

Additionally, customers can visit the Xcel Energy website for more information about the Cold Weather Rule and energy assistance options.