Need help paying your electric bill?

The member is required to contact the cooperative by the due date if they are unable to pay the bill. The member must inform the cooperative of how they plan to pay their account as soon as possible. The cooperative will work with the member to develop an acceptable payment plan to meet his or her individual needs.

Members having a difficult time paying their utility bills should contact their energy provider as soon as possible. These energy assistance agencies may be able to provide financial assistance.
2020 Maximum Energy Assistance Program Income Guidelines
 

Energy Assistance Providers

Emergency Assistance Providers

Cold Weather Rule

The Minnesota Cold Weather Rule (CWR) is effective October 15 through April 15.  The cooperative will follow the Cold Weather Rule guidelines prior to disconnecting a service for nonpayment.  The utility does have the right to disconnect service if you do not contact your utility, set up a mutually acceptable payment pland and apply for protection with your utility company.

The requirements for protection are that a residential member meets the income guidelines as determined by the CWR, and makes timely payments according to the payment plan that is set up.

For more information:  Click here to apply for Protection and Understand Minnesota's Cold Weather Rule.
 

Military Service Personnel

Section 325E.028 of the Minnesota statues pertaining to utility payment arrangements for military service personnel outlines their rights and responsibilities effective August 1, 2007.  A municipal utility, cooperative electric association, or public utility must not disconnect the utility service of a residential customer if a member of the household has been issued into active duty, for deployment, or for a permanent change in duty station during period of active duty, deployment, or change in dudty station if residential customer meets criteria set forth in this statute.

If, prior to disconnection, a customer appeals a notice of involuntary disconnection, as provided by the utility's established appeal procedure, the utility must not disconnect until the appeal is resolved.

Beltrami Electric's Cold Weather Rule/Military Service Appeal Procedure:

If you wish to appeal, submit a personal letter stating your situation and issues in the dispute to PO Box 488, Bemidji, MN 56619.  Your letter of appeal must arrive at the Cooperative BEFORE the date of disconnection.  You will be notified when the board of directors will review your appeal so that you may be present during it.   No disconnection of service will take place during the appeal process.

If you would like a copy of these policies or forms sent in the mail, please contact the office at 218-444-2540 or 800-955-6083.  An application without copies of income statements and proof of military orders overseas will be considered incomplete, resulting in the possibility of no shut-off protection.