Minneapolis – Feb. 18, 2024 – With bitter cold temperatures continuing in Minnesota this week, CenterPoint Energy is reminding residential customers about tools and resources that may be available to them this winter heating season to help manage their bills. Customers who may be facing financial hardship are urged to contact CenterPoint as soon as possible to set up a payment plan and be referred to resources for energy assistance.
“For customers needing payment assistance, we have various tools and programs to help them manage their bills. Our representatives work with each customer to identify programs that may be available so that they and their loved ones can stay safe and warm throughout the winter heating season. We encourage customers to contact us now to set up a payment plan and find out more about energy assistance programs to help with paying their heating bills," said Brad Steber, CenterPoint Energy's Vice President, Minnesota Gas.
Minnesota's Cold Weather Rule Provides Protections for Residential Customers
Under Minnesota's Cold Weather Rule, residential customers who are having difficulty paying their heating bills are required to set up a payment plan with their utility to prevent disconnection of their service between Oct. 1, 2024, and April 30, 2025. 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/PaymentAssistance.
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.
Payment Assistance and Bill Management Resources Available to Customers
CenterPoint representatives can also refer customers to resources that provide financial assistance for heating costs such as Minnesota's Energy Assistance Program. This federally funded program helps pay for home heating costs and furnace repairs for income-eligible households. Applications are still being accepted for this program, and funds remain to help Minnesotans this heating season.
CenterPoint customers can also enroll in an Average Monthly Billing Plan, which spreads costs throughout the year to help manage periods of peak usage such as the winter heating season, at CenterPointEnergy.com/MyAccount or by calling 800-245-2377.
Residential Energy Efficiency Programs Help Customers Reduce Energy Usage
Various energy efficiency programs are also available for residential customers, including renters. For qualifying customers, these programs may be available at a reduced rate or at no cost. Programs include:
- Home energy assessment: The Home Energy Squad® is a home energy assessment program provided by CenterPoint and Xcel Energy and is a great first step for customers seeking to start or accelerate their energy efficiency journey. Through the Home Energy Squad®, customers receive a personalized energy savings plan and can get connected to qualified contractors and rebates. Visits may be free or discounted for customers who qualify.
- Air sealing and insulation rebates: By weatherizing a home through air sealing and insulation efforts, customers can prevent heat loss from their homes and reduce their energy use. Residential customers can receive rebates of up to $3,000 for work completed by a qualifying contractor.
- Rebates to upgrade home appliances and equipment: CenterPoint offers rebates for customers seeking to upgrade more energy-efficient equipment including furnaces, boilers, water heaters and air source heat pumps.
CenterPoint is Minnesota's largest natural gas utility, serving more than 920,000 residential and business customers in over 260 communities.
