Minnesota's 'cold weather rule' goes into effect Friday

(FOX 9) - The Minnesota Cold Weather Rule takes effect Friday. 

The rule prohibits utility companies form turning off the heat for customers behind on their bills as long as a payment plan is set up.

Due to expanded federal money, more than 600,000 Minnesota families are income-eligible for energy assistance—or one in every four households.

The rule will be in effect from Oct. 1 through April 30, 2022.