We are deeply concerned that cuts to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services risk delaying federal funds that help thousands of Minnesotans keep the lights on and heat their homes.

We had a foot of snow in northern Minnesota this week. It’s cold outside. Minnesotans know that losing heat to your home in freezing temperatures can be life-threatening.

The Minnesota Department of Commerce anticipates running out of Energy Assistance Program funds for new applicants as early as mid-April. We had expected an additional $12 million to $13 million in Congressionally approved funds to help over 10,000 more Minnesota households pay their utility bills and prevent power shutoffs.

Minnesotans expect the federal government to follow through on its commitments. LiHEAP funds are extremely valuable to all states, but essential to Minnesota.

Data from Minnesota’s Energy Assistance Dashboard shows energy assistance payments from October 1, 2024, through March 31, 2025:

• About 107,000 households, both homeowners and renters, have already had help this winter paying their utility bills.
• About half are people over age 60.
• About one in six are households with children under age 6.
• Average payments per household, which are paid directly to their utility company, are about $700.
• The program also provides emergency services, such as getting a home’s propane tank refilled if it runs out (9,247 heating fuel deliveries) or providing emergency furnace repairs (5,875 furnace repairs).

About two-thirds of Minnesota’s Energy Assistance Program payments are to households in Greater Minnesota.

LiHEAP has been around for 45 years, through various administrations, with considerable bipartisan support. This program is an example of the good work that government does. 

HHS must protect a program that keeps Minnesotans warm.

More info on Minnesota’s Energy Assistance Program: mn.gov/home.