Suspending disconnections among steps Minnesota Power is taking to help customers affected by pandemic
Apr 13, 2020
Press release translation: Spanish
Duluth, Minn. — Minnesota Power reminds residential and small-business customers it has voluntarily suspended disconnections for nonpayment during the COVID-19 public health emergency. This protection began March 16 for residential customers and includes an extension of Cold Weather Rule protections that normally end April 15 each year. On March 30, Minnesota Power also suspended disconnections for small businesses.
While customers may still receive notices regarding past due amounts, the company wants to reassure its customers that service will continue. If there are questions or concerns, customers should call Minnesota Power at 1-800-228-4966 or visit www.mnpower.com for the most current information and links to other resources. Energy assistance program dollars are still available in Minnesota, and eligible residential customers are encouraged to apply or refer a family member or friend to these financial resources.
In addition to suspending disconnections, Minnesota Power also has put in place other protections for both residential and small-business customers affected by the coronavirus pandemic. They include:
- waiving late payment charges.
- waiving reconnection fees during normal business hours for customers previously disconnected for nonpayment.
While customers’ service won’t be disconnected and they will have extra time to pay their bill if they need it, Minnesota Power encourages them to stay as up to date with payments as possible to avoid building up a large balance that will be harder to pay off later. Any customers facing financial hardship due to COVID-19 are encouraged to contact Minnesota Power regarding payment plans and options.
Minnesota Power provides electric service within a 26,000-square-mile area in northeastern Minnesota, supporting comfort, security and quality of life for 145,000 customers, 15 municipalities and some of the largest industrial customers in the United States. More information can be found at mnpower.com.
The statements contained in this release and statements that ALLETE may make orally in connection with this release that are not historical facts, are forward-looking statements. Actual results may differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements. These forwardlooking statements involve risks and uncertainties and investors are directed to the risks discussed in documents filed by ALLETE with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
