With subzero temperatures arriving throughout the state, the Minnesota Commerce Department reminds Minnesotans to apply to the state’s Energy Assistance Program for help paying their heating bills.
For those who have not already applied for help this heating season, there is still time. Households with young children, people with disabilities, veterans, or seniors are especially encouraged to apply.
Essential safety net
“Energy assistance is an essential safety net that can help vulnerable Minnesotans avoid the cruel choice between buying food or medicine and paying the heating bill,” said Commerce Commissioner Steve Kelley. “Heating your home is a necessity in Minnesota, and we don’t want anyone’s health or safety put at risk because they can’t afford to pay for heat.”
The Energy Assistance Program serves households that earn less than 50 percent of the state’s median annual income ($52,014 for a family of four). It helps low-income homeowners and renters with heating bills through grant money paid directly to their utility companies or heating fuel vendors. Funds are also available to help some homeowners repair or replace malfunctioning heat systems.
In November, Minnesota received more than $105 million in federal Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) funds for this year’s Energy Assistance Program.
The average annual grant is $545
Last year the Energy Assistance Program served nearly 126,000 Minnesota households (approximately 315,000 household members), with an average grant of about $545. These households included nearly 58,000 seniors, more than 38,000 young children, more than 62,000 people with disabilities, and more than 8,000 veterans. Some households also receive additional funds to address no-heat crisis situations or repair broken heating systems.
The Minnesota Commerce Department administers the program in partnership with 29 local service providers throughout the state. Service providers can also help residents facing heat disconnections or needing emergency fuel delivery.
How to apply for Energy Assistance
New applicants have until June 1 to apply, but funding is limited and administered on a first-come, first-served basis.
Eligible households apply for assistance with the local service provider in their area. To receive an application and find your local service provider, visit the Energy Assistance Program section (mn.gov/commerce/eap.jsp) of the Commerce Department website (mn.gov/commerce) or call the Commerce Department toll-free at 800-657-3710.
Applications can also be found at the Human Services department of the Cook County courthouse in Grand Marais or online at AEOA Energy Assistance.
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