CenterPoint Energy encourages customers to use payment plans, energy assistance during winter months as Cold Weather Rule protections go into effect

CenterPoint Energy encourages customers to use payment plans, energy assistance during winter months as Cold Weather Rule protections go into effect

As the winter heating season approaches, resources are available to help Minnesotans stay safe and warm

Tuesday-October-1-2024

Minneapolis - Oct. 1, 2024 - CenterPoint Energy is reminding residential customers about Minnesota's Cold Weather Rule, which protects Minnesotans who experience difficulty paying their heating bill. This rule provides customers extra protection against natural gas service disconnections from Oct. 1, 2024, through April 30, 2025.

Under the Cold Weather Rule, customers who are having difficulty paying their natural gas bills are required to set up a payment plan with their utility to prevent disconnection of their service. To arrange a payment plan, CenterPoint customers can call 800-245-2377 between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m., Monday-Friday, or visit CenterPointEnergy.com/Assistance.

"For customers who may be facing financial hardship, we have tips, tools and programs to help customers manage their bills and save energy. We encourage you to contact us now to set up a payment plan and to see if you're eligible for energy assistance to aid with paying your heating bill," said Brad Steber, CenterPoint Energy's Vice President, Minnesota Gas. "Setting up a payment plan and using the Cold Weather Rule will help you and your family stay safe and warm this winter and prevent disconnection of your natural gas service."

A payment agreement must consider a customer's financial situation and any extenuating household circumstances. The payment plan must be agreeable to both the customer and CenterPoint. If an agreed-upon payment plan cannot be reached, customers have a right to appeal under the Cold Weather Rule.

CenterPoint representatives can also refer customers to programs and services that provide financial assistance for heating costs, including Minnesota's Energy Assistance Program. This federally funded program helps pay for home heating costs and furnace repairs for income-eligible households. Applications are accepted for this program beginning Oct. 1.

CenterPoint customers may also sign up for an Average Monthly Billing Plan, which spreads costs throughout the year to help manage periods of peak usage, such as the winter heating season. Customers can sign up at CenterPointEnergy.com/MyAccount or by calling 800-245-2377.

Customers are also encouraged to take advantage of energy efficiency offerings and resources to assist in managing natural gas bills. More information on rebates and efficiency programs can be found at CenterPointEnergy.com/EfficiencyPrograms.

CenterPoint is Minnesota's largest natural gas utility, serving more than 920,000 residential and business customers in over 260 local communities.

​

Public link

Please use the above public link if you want to share this noodl on another website.