DULUTH — Minnesota Power has launched a new assistance program designed to help eligible residential customers reduce past-due electric bill balances through payment matching and monthly bill credits.
The program, called On Track, provides qualifying households with monthly bill assistance and a dollar-for-dollar match on payments made toward past-due balances under a payment arrangement. The initiative is part of $200 million in customer benefits funded by ALLETE's owners.
“On Track is meant to give customers a manageable way to catch up while keeping their service affordable and reliable,” said Tina Koecher, director of Customer Experience Operations. “By matching payments toward past-due balances and providing additional monthly bill support, this program gives customers a practical path forward. It reflects our commitment to keeping bills affordable and connecting customers with help when they most need it.”
Some eligible customers will be automatically enrolled through their next available billing cycle. Those customers will have their past-due balances placed into payment arrangements lasting up to 12 months, depending on the amount owed. Minnesota Power will match each payment made toward the arrangement, effectively reducing the repayment period by half.
Customers enrolled automatically also will receive a $20 monthly bill credit for up to half of the original payment arrangement term, provided they remain current on both their regular monthly electric bill and their payment arrangement.
Other eligible customers will be invited to apply for the program either online or through a paper application. Those participants may qualify for payment arrangements lasting up to 24 months, along with the same payment-matching benefit and $20 monthly bill credit for up to half of the original repayment period. If the proposed monthly payment exceeds a customer's budget, Minnesota Power said a program coordinator can work with the customer to develop a more manageable payment arrangement.
Unlike many traditional utility assistance programs, On Track has no income eligibility requirements. Customers who make their payments on time can reduce their outstanding balances more quickly because Minnesota Power matches payments made toward their payment arrangements.
The utility said funding and enrollment are limited. Customers invited to participate will be accepted on a first-come, first-served basis until available funding is exhausted.
Customers receiving an On Track notice are encouraged to review the program details carefully. Those who are automatically enrolled may choose to opt out, while invited customers may decide whether to apply.
Minnesota Power said the program is intended to provide additional flexibility and financial support for customers working to bring their electric accounts current.
