Translation:

Medical Necessity

Any customer who has continuously operating, electric-powered medical equipment at home that is necessary to sustain life or avoid serious medical complications may request designation on their account if equipment is present and being used. Electric service may be essential if:

  • The customer is dependent on electric-powered equipment that must be operated continuously, or
  • As circumstances require, as specified by a physician to avoid:
    • The loss of life, or
    • Serious medical complications requiring immediate hospitalization.
What the Medical Necessity Designation offers:
  • Reconnection or continuation of service to a customer’s residence. If the account is in arrears (past due), the customer must contact Minnesota Power and enter into a payment agreement for those arrears.
  • Special notification before disconnection of service due to nonpayment.
  • Special notification of planned power outages.
What you need to know:
  • Medical Necessity Designation does not guarantee uninterrupted service, and it does not exempt customers from payment of their electric bills.
  • The customers are responsible for backup equipment and/or power supply.
  • In the event of power outages, the customer is personally responsible for a planned course of action.
How to receive Medical Necessity Designation:
  • Customers should have their physician or medical supply company send us a signed letter stating that they or a household member are using electrically powered medical equipment and the duration prescribed.

NOTE: The customer must provide Minnesota power with certification on an annual basis.

Submit signed letter to:

Fax: 218-355-2770
Attn: Customer Service – Medical Necessity
Customer Service – Medical Necessity
30 W Superior St
Duluth, MN 55802

Minnesota Power’s parent company, ALLETE, has entered an agreement to be acquired by a partnership led by Canada Pension Plan Investment Board and Global Infrastructure Partners and start the process to become a private company.

This transaction will not change our operations, strategy or shared purpose and values, and it is business as usual for all of us at Minnesota Power. Learn more at www.ALLETEforward.com.