Attorney General Ellison secures protections for customers of Minnesota Valley Cooperative Light and Power Association
Cooperative must provide additional notices before disconnecting electrical service and take steps to ensure future compliance with consumer protection laws
Today’s agreement follows Minnesota Valley’s attempt to disconnect a customer’s electrical service, despite the customer requiring electricity to power a life-sustaining medical device
September 10, 2026 (SAINT PAUL) — Today, Attorney General Ellison reached a settlement with Minnesota Valley Cooperative Light and Power Association (Minnesota Valley) to resolve allegations that they engaged in deceptive and unfair practices in violation of Minnesota law.
Four months ago, Attorney General Ellison won a temporary restraining order requiring electrical provider Minnesota Valley to restore electrical service to a consumer the utility company had previously disconnected, despite the consumer’s need for electricity to power life-sustaining medical equipment. The temporary restraining order required Minnesota Valley to restore electrical service within six hours to the consumer, C.W., who is being identified by their initials to protect their privacy.
After obtaining that relief, Attorney General Ellison broadened the scope of the lawsuit to encompass other alleged deceptive and unfair practices by Minnesota Valley around its failure to properly notify its customers of consumer protections available to them by law, and its failure to offer appropriate payment plans to customers whose accounts were in arrears.
Following Attorney General Ellison’s decision to expand the scope of his lawsuit, Minnesota Valley agreed to institute changes within the cooperative that will better inform its customers of their rights. Minnesota Valley has agreed to provide separate and distinct notices to individuals regarding potential disconnection, to provide additional information and resources via its website, to stop using energy assistance as a hurdle customers had to jump in order to engage the cooperative in a payment plan, to offer written payment plans, and to maintain records enabling Attorney General oversight. Minnesota Valley also agreed to amend C.W.’s payment agreement and forgive all amounts C.W. owed.
"I’m pleased that Minnesota Valley has finally made the right decision,” said Attorney General Ellison. “Minnesota Valley’s initial disconnection was as cruel as it was unlawful, which is why my office took emergency action to protect C.W.’s health and uphold state law. This resolution will help ensure a similar disconnection does not happen again, and that people know what options and consumer protection measures are available to them under Minnesota law.”
Minnesota law clearly requires energy providers to “reconnect or continue service to a customer's residence... where medical equipment requiring electricity necessary to sustain life is in use,” as long as the electrical provider receives notice from a medical professional that such equipment is necessary to sustain their life. Minnesota law also requires utilities and cooperatives to offer payment plans that consider the individual circumstances of the household.
Attorney General Ellison encouraged consumers who have problems with their utilities to contact his office with their concerns.
“Helping Minnesotans afford their lives means making sure regulated monopolies like utilities live up to the trust we’ve put in them,” Attorney General Ellison added. “If you’re having a problem with your utility, let us know.”
Consumers can file a complaint with the Attorney General’s Office via its online complaint form. Minnesotans can also contact the Office by phone at (651) 296-3353 from within the Twin Cities or (800) 657-3787 from Greater Minnesota.
