Utilities

The Minnesota Attorney General’s Office welcomes complaints from people who experience a problem with a utility provider (e.g. natural gas company, electric company, etc.). Complaints from members of the public help us to identity potential violations of Minnesota law and new problems occurring in the utilities marketplace. In addition, we can sometimes help people solve problems they are having with utility companies. If you would like to file a complaint about a utility provider with this Office, please submit a completed Consumer Assistance Request Form to:

Office of Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison
445 Minnesota Street, Suite 600
St. Paul, MN 55101

Minnesota Public Utilities Commission

The Minnesota Public Utilities Commission regulates utilities in Minnesota and decides the rates that utilities are allowed to charge and whether a utility can raise rates. For more information or to file a complaint, you may contact the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission as follows:

Minnesota Public Utilities Commission
121 7th Place East, Suite 350
St. Paul, MN 55101
(651) 296-0406 or (800) 657-3782
www.mn.gov/puc

Minnesota Cold Weather Rule

The Minnesota Public Utilities Commission enforces the Cold Weather Rule, which provides for certain protections and responsibilities for homeowners and tenants related to utility shutoffs during the cold weather months in Minnesota (October 1 through April 30). You may find more information about the Cold Weather Rule on the Public Utilities Commission's website.

Utility Disconnections

You may find more information about what to do if a utility disconnects your service by reading our brochure "When Facing a Utility Disconnection."

Propane Gas

Approximately ten percent of Minnesota households use propane gas as their primary heating fuel. Our brochure, "Propane Gas," includes consumer tips to consider when buying propane gas. The Minnesota Department of Commerce and U.S. Department of Energy both conduct surveys of average propane prices charged by the industry and may be helpful resources for propane gas customers. You may contact the Minnesota Department of Commerce and U.S. Department of Energy as follows:

Energy Assistance

If you have trouble affording your heating costs, you may be eligible for energy assistance. For more information about eligibility and how to apply for assistance, you may call (800) 657-3710, or contact the Minnesota Department of Commerce as listed above.

Additional Resources

The Minnesota Attorney General’s Office offers the following materials, which are designed to provide more information to Minnesota citizens about utilities:

• When Facing a Utility Disconnection
• Utility Shutoffs
• Paying for Utilities
• Propane Gas