A cold weather rule (CWR) or cold weather law is a regulation that prohibits public utility companies from disconnecting customers who are unable to pay for the energy used to heat their homes during the winter.
Cleaning up after this can lay heavy burdens upon people who are already of limited financial means.
[citation needed] In Canada, electricity cannot be turned off between October 15 and April 15, or any time the temperature goes below 0 degrees Celsius.
[citation needed] In Minnesota, the rule is in effect between October 15 and April 15 of the next year, and requires reconnection of electricity and/or natural gas depending on which energy sources are necessary for heat.
The state's Public Utilities Commission doesn't regulate liquefied petroleum gas or oil, so those services may not be provided.