Late Payment
If not paid or postmarked before the 21st of the following month, a late charge of $2 or 1.5 percent of the monthly balance (whichever is greater) will be added.
Delinquent Notice
A bill that is not paid by the due date shown on the bill shall be considered a delinquent bill. A Reminder/Final Notice message will print on the following month’s bill. Failure to pay a delinquent bill by the specified date on the final notice may result in disconnection of service.
If a member cannot pay a delinquent bill by the specified date on the final notice may result in disconnection of service. If a member cannot pay a delinquent bill, he/she shall notify the cooperative immediately. We will attempt to work out a payment plan or explain other forms of public assistance. Failure to agree on a suitable payment plan or qualify for public assistance may result in disconnection of service.
Collections
If it becomes necessary to make a collection trip to the member’s home during regular working hours, a collection charge of $75 for each account will be added to the amount due.
Disconnection
If the collection trip results in disconnection of the electric service, another $75 fee for each account is charged to have the service reconnected during working hours or $150 after working hours (8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.)
It is the member’s responsibility to contact the cooperative to make payment arrangements on past due accounts prior to the disconnect date.
Cold Weather Disconnect Law
In accordance with Minnesota’s Cold Weather Rule (216B.097), electric service cannot be disconnected for nonpayment between Oct. 1 and April 30 if electricity is the primary heat source and all of the following statements apply:
- Your household income is at or below 50% of the state median household income. Income may be verified on forms provided by Red River Valley Co-op Power or by the local energy assistance provider.
- You enter into and make reasonable and timely payments under a payment agreement that considers the financial resources of the household.
- You receive referrals to energy assistance, weatherization, conservation or other programs likely to reduce your energy bills from Red River Valley Co-op Power.
Please note that the Cold Weather Rule does not completely stop winter disconnects.
Before disconnecting electric service to residential members between Oct. 1 and April 30, Red River Valley Co-op Power must provide:
- A 30-day mailed notice or 15-day hand delivered notice
- A statement of members’ rights and responsibilities
- A list of local energy assistance providers
- Forms to request Cold Weather Rule protection
- A statement explaining available payment plans and other options to continue service.
Energy Assistance
If you need help paying your heat or electric bills, you may qualify for state or federal fuel assistance. For complete qualification and application information, contact your local county social service office or community/citizen’s action council.
For west Polk County and all of Norman County, call Tri-Valley Opportunity Council of Crookston at 1-800-584-7020. For Clay County, call West Central Minnesota Communities Action Inc. at 1-800-492-4805.
This institution is an equal opportunity provider and employer.
