Low-income Minnesotans encouraged to apply for Energy Assistance Program

For Immediate Release

SAINT PAUL – The Minnesota Department of Commerce announced that the state’s Energy Assistance Program is receiving more than $105 million ($105,716,913) in federal funding to help low-income Minnesotans pay their heating bills this winter. This represents 90% of the expected total funding. The remaining 10% is expected to be allocated later in the year.

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.

“Heating your home is a necessity in Minnesota, and we do not want anyone’s health or safety put at risk because they cannot afford to pay for heat,” said Commerce Commissioner Steve Kelley, whose agency administers the Energy Assistance Program in partnership with 29 local service providers throughout the state. “The Energy Assistance Program is an essential safety net for those who struggle to pay their energy bills.”

Minnesotans who have difficulty paying their heating bills are encouraged to apply for energy assistance, especially households with seniors, small children, people with disabilities and veterans.

Energy assistance is available for homeowners and renters who earn less than 50 percent of the state’s median income ($52,014 for a family of four). Last year the program served nearly 126,000 Minnesota households (with approximately 315,000 household members), with an average grant of approximately $545. Some households also received help to address no-heat crisis situations or repair broken heating systems.

How to apply for heating assistance

Local service providers have already received and reviewed thousands of energy assistance applications, and payments for many who qualify may begin this week.

There is still plenty of time for new applicants and those who qualified last year to reapply, but funding is limited and administered on a first-come, first-served basis. Applications will be accepted until June 1, 2020, or until funds run out.

Minnesotans should submit an application to the local service provider in their area. To get more information about the program and contact your local service provider, call 800-657-3710 or /commerce/energy/consumer-assistance/energy-assistance-program/tsev.jspvisit the Energy Assistance Program section of the Department of Commerce website (mn.gov/commerce/eap.jsp).

Cold Weather Rule protection

In addition to applying for heating assistance, low-income Minnesotans are 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 if they 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 the 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 shut-off protection and the Cold Weather Rule is available on the PUC website (mn.gov/puc/consumers/help/shut-off-protection/) or by calling 651-296-0406 or 800-657-3782.

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With You Every Day

Wherever you are in Minnesota, the Department of Commerce is with you every day. Whether you’re filling up on gas, purchasing a home, working to reduce energy consumption or rebuilding after a disaster—we are with you, no matter what.

The Minnesota Commerce Department oversees more than 20 regulated industries, ensuring that Minnesota businesses are strong and Minnesota consumers are protected. Our mission is to protect the public interest, advocate for Minnesota consumers, ensure a strong, competitive and fair marketplace, strengthen the state’s economic future and serve as a trusted public resource for consumers and businesses.

Media Contact
Emma Bauer
Communications Director
O: 651-539-1463
C: 651-358-5155
emma.bauer@state.mn.us