With cold weather rule protection ending soon, Minnesota Energy Resources is urging customers who have fallen behind on natural gas bills to contact the utility now.

Customers carrying past due balances are at risk of disconnection beginning Monday.

Customers with past due balances who have not set up payment arrangements should contact Minnesota Energy Resources at 800-889-9508.

A minimum payment option and flexible payment plans may be available. Customers who have a CWR payment plan also need to contact the utility, as those agreements are set to expire Saturday.

According to a press release, scammers have been known to target customers with threats of immediate disconnection at this time of year.

A common scam pressures customers to make immediate payment using a prepaid card. Minnesota Energy Resources never solicits payment in this manner.

Customers who receive suspicious calls or emails should contact Minnesota Energy Resources immediately to verify the status of their account.

Some customers may qualify for energy assistance through the Energy Assistance Program administered by the Minnesota Department of Commerce. There is no charge to apply for assistance. More information on the Energy Assistance Program can be found at www.minnesotaenergyresources.com/home/lieap.aspx or by calling the Energy Assistance Program hotline at 800-657-3710.