This bill amends Minnesota Statutes to allow utilities to charge fees under specific conditions related to customer payment agreements. It permits utilities to charge a reconnection fee for service disconnections due to unauthorized use or tampering, but prohibits charging a reconnection fee for disconnections resulting from non-payment. Additionally, the bill introduces late payment charges, which can only be imposed if the delinquent amount exceeds $100 and is capped at a maximum of $50 in cumulative fees over a 12-month period. Notably, late payment charges cannot be applied to low-income households or those who are current on their payment agreements.

The bill also modifies existing provisions regarding customers with household incomes above 50 percent of the state median income, ensuring they have the right to a payment agreement that considers their financial circumstances. It removes a previous restriction that exempted these customers from certain protections during the cold weather period. The new provisions aim to balance the utility's ability to recover costs while providing protections for vulnerable customers, particularly those with low incomes or those actively engaged in payment agreements. The effective date for these changes is set for October 1, 2026.

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