HOA's in Cold Weather Climates - Public Utility Disconnections

Good Afternoon,

I work for a company that manages over 230 Homeowner Associations in the Twin Cities, Minnesota which correlates to a little over 10,000 homes.. The reason why I am posting this is because I am trying to gather as much information as I possibly can about utilities being disconnected in the cold weather climates.

Because of the large amount of foreclosures in today's Real Estate market many homeowners are moving out of their homes without notice and many times their electricity or gas gets disconnected. When this happens it becomes a problem for the HOA because many of the townhomes are connected by party or common walls. If the electricity or gas gets disconnected and the association doesn't know it was disconnected it becomes a problem because it could cause damage to that home and the surrounding homes if there is a break in the water lines.

I spoke with the local Minnesota utility companies and they informed me that the MN Cold Weather Rule allows homeowners who fill out the application to be allowed a variance and they are able to continue using their heat source from Nov 15-April 15. The problem we are running into is that the homeowners with the water pipes freezing and causing damage are also the homeowners that have abandoned their home. If the application is not submitted then the utility companies have the right to disconnect after a series of disconnection notices.

Any help I could get would be very helpful. Even if it's pointing me in a different direction that would be excellent. We are truly trying to look out for our homeowners in the associations we manage.

I also have contacted my representative for the House & Senate but they are currently out of the office for the holidays. I'm also currently working with a rep from Community Association Institute.

Your assistance is greatly appreciated,

Russ Lis

Public Utrility disconnects.

To me this sounds like a huge problem and it is commendable for the concern shown.

I wopnder if the Local TV might be interested in this, it is obviously bigger than the association you manage. It seems it would be a public service to warn folks of this problem. It won't work on everyone but it would have some effect.

Russ:

Contacting the local media won't really help your cause. As you stated these homes that are being disconnected are being done because of nonpayment and homes being abandoned.

I too even here in NC have experienced several homes water pipes that have ruptured due to the cold snaps we have had here. Fortunately for us, they have been single family homes and the water department had to come and repair the breaks.

However in townhomes or condo's I can appreciate your post that they become a problem for the homeowner below or next door. I like Joe's suggestion, as well as perhaps contacting your local Mayor and or City Counsel Members to see how they can help during the cold months.

Perhaps a letter to the utility companies that services your area asking them for assistance or advise can add to your list of possibilities.

Any way good luck to you and stay warm!