This bill amends Minnesota Statutes to allow utilities to charge fees under specific conditions for customers whose household income exceeds 50 percent of the state median income. It establishes that such customers have the right to a payment agreement that considers their financial circumstances during the cold weather period and prohibits disconnection if they make timely payments. The bill also removes a previous provision that exempted these customers from certain regulations regarding disconnection.

Additionally, the bill introduces new provisions regarding reconnection and late payment charges. Utilities may charge a reconnection fee for service disconnections due to unauthorized use or tampering, but not for non-payment. Late payment charges can only be imposed under certain conditions, including a minimum delinquent amount and a cap on cumulative fees within a year. The bill also protects low-income households and those in payment agreements from late payment charges. The new regulations will take effect on October 1, 2026.

Statutes affected:
Introduction: 216B.096, 216B.098