3,400 occupied homes in Minnesota have no heat this winter

CenterPoint energy estimates that about 5,200 homes are disconnected, and about 3,400 of those are occupied. That means that during the past three extremely cold weeks, 3,400 households have had no heat, or only what heat they can generate from space heaters (until Xcel shuts off their electricity, I would assume). CenterPoint says most were shut off during the summer and took no steps to restore service before winter arrived.

Congress is stalled on bills that include federal energy aid, and so local relief agencies worry that energy relief money could run out soon, possibly before Christmas.

According to the StarTribune, “CenterPoint and Xcel say they’ve been contacting delinquent customers through phone calls, letters, and home visits to work out payment plans and restore heat.” But at the same time, CenterPoint intends to start reporting delinquent accounts. No heat and a bad credit rating?

If you are a consumer facing a shutoff this winter, you can prevent the shutoff through April 15 by applying for protection under Minnesota’s Cold Weather Rule and arranging payments with your utility company. This is based on need, and you must request Cold Weather Rule protection.

[photo: Chance Agrella]