News and Events
Cold Weather Law
The Minnesota Legislature has enacted a Cold weather Law (Minnesota statutes, chapter 216B.097) which provides that from October 15 to April 15 an electric cooperative or municipal utility cannot disconnect a residential consumer for nonpayment if the disconnection would affect the consumers primary heat source for residential unit and all of the following conditions are met:
- The household income of the customer is at or below 50 percent of the state median household income. A municipal utility or cooperative electric association utility may (i) verify income on forms it provides or (ii) obtain verification of income from the local energy assistance provider. A customer is deemed to meet the income requirements of this clause if the customer receives any form of public assistance, including energy assistance, that uses an income eligibility threshold at or below 50 percent of the state median household income:
- A customer enters into and makes reasonable timely payments under a payment agreement that considers the financial resources of the household: and
- A customer receives referrals to energy assistance, weatherization, conservation, or other programs likely to reduce the customer's energy bills.
If you do not meet all of the above conditions, then you do not qualify for winter shut-off protections and are still subject to disconnection. However, you can continue to receive electric service if you call BENCO to make mutually acceptable payment arrangement.
Benco Electric Cooperative will be implementing effective August 1, 2011 a new software program that will utilize "Check 21" (an automatic clearing process) and enable more effective payment processing for our customers. To help facilitate this, please make sure to include the remittance portion of your bill along with your payment every month.
Why Check 21 is Good for Consumers:
- Deposits will post faster- Electronic presentment of checks will speed up the process. There will be no transportation delays caused by weather or other factors
- Gain improved access to check information- You can access your check using Online Banking.
- Faster error resolution and fraud detection- Electronic transmission will cut down on both errors and fraud.
BENCO March/April 2001 Newsletter (view)
Features:
BENCO Electric Annual Meeting
From the Board
Two BENCO Employees to Retire
All Aboard for Coal Creek Station
What’s Cookin’: Hot Beef Sandwiches Au Jus
Wade Hensel, General Manager (part 1)
Wade Hensel, General Manager (part 2)
Gary Stenzel, Board President
