Are You Worried About Paying For Heat This Winter?

After many chilly days, and the first snowfall of the winter on Sunday, it seems like winter is unmistakably here. The radiators in my apartment building are just turning on, and most of us have the heating on by now. But, this winter, when the economy is in shambles and fuel costs are higher than ever, are you worried about being able to pay your energy bills, and keep the heat on this winter?

Minnesota has a law that prevents utility companies - Xcel Energy for most of us in the Twin Cities - from disconnecting gas or electricity services that provide heat to residential customers who can't afford to pay their bills over the winter. Winter is defined as October 15 - April 15.

Anyone, renters, homeowners, in any income bracket, can take advantage of the law, but customers MUST contact their utility company to arrange a payment plan. If a customer can't make those payments defined in the payment plan, they must contact the utility company again to re-arrange payments.

Essentially the law protects customers from having their heat shut off over the winter, and allows customers to spread the cost six months of winter heating bills more evenly over the whole year.

So if you are worried about being able to pay your heating bills, contact the utility company as soon as possible.

• Here's more information about the Minnesota Cold Weather Rule from the State of Minnesota's Public Utilities Commission.
• Tips and Tricks to Reduce Your Heating Bills: Guide to Saving Money on Heating Costs
• Energy Assistance Information from Xcel Energy