If a check made payable to Brainerd Public Utilities (BPU) is returned for nonsufficient funds (NSF) or the account has been closed, or if a customer has their utility bill paid by ACH, and notification is sent for non-sufficient funds or the account has been closed, the following procedures will take place.

• BPU will send a notice, by regular mail, to the check issuer when a check or ACH is returned for NSF from a financial institution. The notice shall contain language of MN Statute 609.535 pertaining to issuance of dishonored checks.
• Restitution has to be made within five (5) business days and must be paid by money order or cash. There will also be an additional $30 service charge. There are no arrangements allowed when a NSF check is received.
• If restitution is not made within the required time, the electric service will be disconnected at the service address where the check was issued. Before the service will be reconnected, the NSF check, $30 service charge, entire balance of account, a deposit, if one has not been previously paid, and a reconnect fee will have to be paid.
• If more than two (2) checks or ACHs are returned to BPU within a twelve (12) month period, all future utility payments will have to be paid by money order or cash. However, if a customer signs up for the automatic bill payment plan in lieu of paying the required utility deposit, and an ACH or recurring credit card is returned to BPU within the first twelve (12) months of service, the customer will automatically be taken off bank pay and will have to pay the required utility deposit, along with the other required charges.

BPU will not discontinue service if such action will aggravate an existing serious illness of any person who is permanent resident of the premise where service if BPU has on file a completed Physician’s Certification of Illness form.  The form must be filled out completely, and if requested by BPU, must be updated every 30 days by physician. Please click: Physician’s Certification of Illness Form

The customer cannot use their illness as a way not to pay their utility bill.  The customer will be required to make a payment arrangement to pay their past due bill.

Deceased Customer

When BPU discovers that a customer is deceased, the family/executor of the deceased customer has 30 days to change name on the account.  If the utility service is not transferred, BPU reserves the right to disconnect the electric service for the address of the deceased customer. Read Complete Disconnection Policy Here

Cold Weather Rule

From October 15 through April 15, a BPU residential customer, whose heat is affected by their electric, is protected by the Cold Weather Rule.   Please read the complete Cold Weather Rule by clicking on this link Cold Weather Rule

Military Service Personnel

Application forms are available at Brainerd  Public Utilities or on our Web site at www.bpu.org.  If you would like a copy of this statute or an application sent in the mail, please contact BPU at 218-825-3200.  An application  received with-out copies of income statements and proof of military orders overseas is considered incomplete resulting in the possibility of no shut-off protection.

Military Service Personnel Payment Form 

Access to Meters

BPU has the right to access the customer’s premises at reasonable times for the purpose of installing, reading, inspecting, repairing, or removing any meter device and other equipment used in connection with furnishing electricity and/or water.  Refusal to allow BPU access to equipment can result in disconnection of services

Tampering With Meters

Stealing electricity id dangerous and against the law.  Tampering with any electric facility, including the meter box and its seals is dangerous.  Anyone who breaks the seal and tampers with the meter exposes him/herself to the risk of electrocution.  BPU will administer a zero tolerance program for unauthorized use of utility meters.  Please read the full Tampering with Meter Policy for more information.