Minnesota Attorney General Lori Swanson warned propane users to be wary of price gouging as propane prices continue to climb above the $6 mark in some areas.
People leasing propane tanks may be especially at risk because companies that lease these tanks demand that they be the sole source of fuel purchases and they can charge what they want, Swanson said.
A state law passed in 1957 gives propane dealers the right to demand that they are the only ones allowed to supply propane to those tanks.
Meanwhile Commerce Commissioner Mike Rothman said propane shortages and rising propane prices are not going to ease anytime soon with temperatures expected to remain cold for the foreseeable future.
Last week Governor Mark Dayton declared a state of emergency and called on the federal government to provide assistance to help strapped Minnesotans. Because a governor can only call a state of emergency for five days, it was recently extended 30 days by the executive council, a panel composed of five elected officials. Dayton said that if the need arises he would call the executive council back and have them extend the state of emergency for a second 30 days.
The state has also opened a propane hotline which people can call and ask questions or raise concerns about the propane situation. The statewide propane hotline number is (800) 657-3504. It is open seven days a week from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
There is also an energy assistance program available for households that fall under the state’s median income. An example of a household that meets those guidelines is a family of four that makes less than $43,642 per year. Applications for the Minnesota Energy Assistance Program can be found online and additional information can also be found by calling (800) 657-3710. Grants of $1,000 are available and are based on a first come first serve basis until the money is gone.
Local assistance
Cook County Emergency Management Director Jim Wiinanen asks people to, “Keep a heads up for others who may be struggling with high prices or reluctant to ask for fuel and are getting short.”
Wiinanen is working with Cook County Public Health and Human Services on pre-planning in case some people’s homes go cold and they cannot stay there and need some shelter.
The Salvation Army HeatShare program has funding available to help seniors and those with disabilities or in crisis and the Arrowhead Economic Opportunity Agency (AEOA) in Virginia, MN, has an energy assistance program which can be reached by calling (800) 662- 5711.
Minnesota’s Cold Weather Rule
Minnesota’s Cold Weather Rule is also in effect from October 15 to April 15 each year.
The Cold Weather Rule protects residential utility customers from having their heat shut off, if they make an affordable payment plan with their utility.
The CWR applies to all homeowners and renters who pay for their own heat.
This rule, however, does not stop utility disconnections. In order to keep your heat on, or to reconnect the heat, customers must contact their electric and/or natural gas company to make and keep a payment plan.
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