Billing Policies

Information to help you better understand your bill.

All electric bills are issued around the 5th of each month and are due by the 21st of each month. Electric bills are sent through the mail or paid for automatically if the member chooses to enroll in our Auto-Pay program.

Late Payment

All electric bills are issued around the 5th of each month and are due by the 21st of each month. If not paid or postmarked before the 21st of the month, a late charge of the greater of $2.00 or 1.5% of the monthly balance will be added.

Delinquent Notice

If the bill is not paid by the next billing cycle, a final delinquent notice will be sent along with the next month's bill. This is the only delinquent notice sent. If no response is made, a collection trip will be made by a Roseau Electric employee to collect the bill.

Please notify your cooperative immediately if you cannot pay a delinquent bill. 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 call at the member's home during regular working hours, a collection charge of $50 will be added to the amount due. Regular office hours are Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Disconnection

If the collection trip results in the disconnection of the electric service, another $50 is charged to have the service reconnected during working hours or $150 after 2:30 p.m. A deposit may also be required for reconnection.

Cold Weather Disconnect Rule

The purpose of this notice is to inform you of your rights and responsibilities under the Cold Weather Rule.

In accordance with Minnesota’s Cold Weather Rule (216B.096), 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 Roseau Electric Cooperative 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 Roseau Electric Cooperative.
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, Roseau Electric Cooperative 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 electric utility bill, you may qualify for state or federal fuel assistance. For complete qualification and application information, contact your local county welfare or community/citizen's action council listed below. These organizations may also provide budget counseling.
  • Bi-County Cap, Inc.
    P.O. Box 579
    Bemidji, MN 56601-8669
    (218) 751-4631
  • Northwest Community Action
    P.O. Box 67
    Badger, MN 56714-0067
    (218) 528-3258 or (800) 568-5329

Military Service Payment Arrangements

Minnesota's electric cooperatives must not disconnect the utility service of a residential customer if a member of the household has been issued order into active duty, for deployment or for a permanent change in duty station during the period of active duty, deployments or change in duty station if residential customer meets criteria set forth in Minnesota Statute 325E.027 Utility Payment.
Utility Service Payment Schedule Appeal Form