Utilities
Utility Application
Rates
Cold Weather Rule
Budget Billing
Utility application
The city of Winthrop provides utilities for the following services:
ElectriC, Garbage/recycling, sewer, storm sewer.
Utility meters are read on the 20th of the month. If the 20th of the month falls on a weekend or Federal holiday, they are read the very next Monday. Bills are printed at city hall and sent out towards the end of the month. Non-profit organizations or businesses wishing to add inserts into utility bills must reach out to the city by the 20th of each month. City staff accepts them on a first come basis. All inserts cost $20/page of color or black and white (this is the rate for both non-profits and businesses).
Bills are due by the 15th of each month. Bills that are unpaid do receive an 8% service fee. Bills can be paid online, in person at City Hall or by placing your payment in the payment box at 305 N Main St. Winthrop, MN 55396 (located at the entrance to the parking lot at City Hall). For online payment, use the ONLINE PAYMENT option at the top right of the page.
Utility Line Insurance: Service Lines Warranties of America
In spring of 2024 city council provided another option for residents to protect their private service lines, including sewer, water, and interior pipes. Although this isn’t the only service that provides this type of coverage (there are many others), city council found this the best option in our area. For more information about this independent insurance program click the button below.
cold weather rule
Minnesota’s Cold Weather Rule (CWR) is a state law that protects residential utility customers from having electric or natural gas service shut off between October 1 and April 30. To protect your service from disconnection you must make and keep a payment plan that you and your utility agree on. The utility must offer a payment plan that is reasonable for your household’s financial circumstances. You can set up a CWR payment plan any time during the CWR season.
You are eligible for CWR protection even if you rent – the electricity or gas must be the primary heat source and the utility account must be in your name.
You and your utility must agree to a payment plan that is reasonable for your household. You can set up a CWR payment plan any time during the CWR season.
All natural gas and electric utilities must offer CWR protection. CWR does not apply to delivered fuels; oil and propane or wood. If you use delivered fuels, and your furnace is run by electricity, you should apply for CWR protection with your electric company.
To contact the local utility please call 507-647-5306
or by email CityClerk@winthropmn.gov
Budget Billing
Introduction
The City of Winthrop offers Budget Billing to provide residents with predictable utility bills, avoiding the fluctuations caused by extreme seasonal temperatures. Budget Billing allows for consistent monthly payments throughout the year.
How Budget Billing Works
- Monthly Payments: Your monthly payment will be based on the average utility usage over the previous 12 months.
- Billing Details: Each bill will include your Budget Billing amount and actual utility usage.
- Annual Review: All Budget Billing accounts will be reviewed annually in September, with adjustments applied to October’s billing.
- Program Withdrawal: You may withdraw from Budget Billing at any time.
Additional Convenience
For added convenience, customers can combine Budget Billing with Automatic Bill Payment. This service ensures that your Budget Billing amount is automatically paid each month, eliminating concerns about paying on time, especially when away from home.
Requirements for Budget Billing
- Start Date: The billing year for Budget Billing starts with the September billing cycle, though enrollment can occur at any time.
- Account Status: Accounts must be in good standing to enroll.
- Meter Readings: Monthly actual meter readings must be provided if not automatically read.
- Eligibility: Both residential and commercial accounts are eligible. Service must be established for a minimum of one year.
- Payment Timeliness: Payments must be made by the due date. Late payments may incur penalties and could result in service disconnection.
- Final Bill: When a final bill is issued, any outstanding balance will be due immediately.
Utility Adjustment policy and forms
Winthrop utilities
507-647-5306
After Hours Emergency Number
507-647-5306 Option #2
City Hall Hours
Monday through Thursday, 7:30 a.m. – 5 p.m., Friday 8 am to noon.