Behind on your bill? Here’s what you can do
It can happen quickly – getting behind on your electric bill isn’t something you plan for. Whether it’s because you had unexpected expenses, forgot about it, or couldn’t make ends meet, Wright-Hennepin (WH) wants to work with you to keep your electricity connected.
Posted by Lauren Dublin on January 11, 2024
It can happen quickly – getting behind on your electric bill isn’t something you plan for. Whether it’s because you had unexpected expenses, forgot about it, or couldn’t make ends meet, Wright-Hennepin (WH) wants to work with you to keep your electricity connected.
The Cold Weather Rule is in effect from October 1 to April 30 every year, but does not completely prevent winter disconnects.
So what do you do next?
1. Don’t ignore us. WH takes many steps before disconnecting a member’s electric. Don’t ignore the calls, letters, or door hangers you’re receiving. You still have time to prevent disconnection.
2. Do call WH’s member services. Representatives are available from 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. They can take a payment over the phone, or connect you to WH’s credit department to set up a payment plan if needed. Call us at (763) 477-3000, email info@whe.org, or live chat with a representative on our website, whe.org
3. Do set up a payment plan. WH’s credit department can help you keep your bill affordable. You can fill out an Inability to Pay application and return it within 10 days of speaking with WH. As long as you complete this application and honor the payment arrangement made, you can prevent a disconnection.
4. Don’t forget about community resources. The state of Minnesota and counties where WH provides service both offer social services and/or energy assistance. Find energy assistance contacts at the bottom of our Cold Weather Rule page.
If getting behind on your bill is simply a matter of forgetting to pay it, set it and forget it! WH offers an autopay option that lets you cross ‘pay the electric bill’ off your to-do list each month with no extra work. Join today.
You can also view your home’s energy use with MyMeter. Log into your online billing account, then click My Account > MyMeter. This free tool creates easy-to-read graphs that show your energy use down to the hour. Most WH members are eligible for this free program – some still have older meters that don’t support the hourly function. Set up alerts to let you know when you’ve reached a certain energy use level for the month, and more!
WH wants to work with members to prevent disconnections, especially in the winter. Contact us today at (763) 477-3000 with questions.
