Energy Assistance Program receives federal funding

The Minnesota Department of Commerce announced this week that the state’s Energy Assistance Program is receiving more than $106 million in federal funding to help income-eligible Minnesotans pay their heating bills this winter.
The funds from the federal Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) reduce home heating costs by making payments directly to utility companies and heating fuel vendors on behalf of eligible Minnesota homeowners and renters.
Energy assistance is available for homeowners and renters who earn less than 50 percent of the state’s median income ($54,357 for a family of four). Last year the program served nearly 118,000 Minnesota households with an average grant of approximately $500. Some households also received help to address no-heat crisis situations or repair broken heating systems.
Minnesotans should submit an application to the local service provider in their area. To find your local service provider, call 800-657-3710 or visit the Commerce Department’s Energy Assistance Program website. Local service providers are situated across Minnesota and cover every corner of the state. There is still plenty of time to apply; however, funding is limited and administered on a first-come, first-served basis. Applications will be accepted until May 31, 2021 or until energy assistance funds run out.
Minnesotans are also encouraged to contact their utility and seek protection under the state’s Cold Weather Rule. The Cold Weather Rule is in effect from October 15 to April 15 and protects residential utility customers from having their heat shut off, but they must first contact their utility to establish and maintain a monthly payment plan.
Households that need to reconnect for winter should contact their utility now to take advantage of payment options. Minnesotans who use delivered fuels such as propane, fuel oil, or wood to heat their homes are not covered by the Cold Weather Rule, but they may get help from the Energy Assistance Program. More information on shutoff protection and the Cold Weather Rule is available on the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission website or by calling 651-296-0406 or 800-657-3782.