(a) A utility provider supplying natural gas, electricity, or water and sewer, or another company supplying home heating oil or propane, to a building who issues a final notice proposing to disconnect or discontinue the service to the building because a landlord who has contracted for the service has failed to pay for the service, or because a landlord is required by law or contract to pay for the service and fails to do so, must provide notice to the residents of the impending disconnection by posting in the building. The posting must be placed in at least one conspicuous location in or on the building and provide tenants with, at a minimum, the following information:
(1) the date the service will be discontinued;
(2) the telephone number to call the utility to obtain further information;
(3) a brief description of the rights of tenants under this section to continue or restore service; and
(4) advice to consider seeking assistance from legal aid, a private attorney, or a housing organization in exercising the tenant rights under Minnesota law to maintain utility service.
A tenant or group of tenants may pay to have the service continued or reconnected as provided under this section. Before paying for the service, the tenant or group of tenants shall give oral or written notice to the landlord of the tenant's intention to pay after 48 hours, or a shorter period that is reasonable under the circumstances, if the landlord has not already paid for the service. In the case of oral notification, written notice shall be mailed or delivered to the landlord within 24 hours after the time oral notice is given.