SAINT PAUL, MN — The brutal cold weather is sweeping across the country yet
again, causing national headlines and larger-than-average heating bills.
The Minnesota Department of Commerce reminds low-income households, especially
homes with senior citizens, people with disabilities, veterans, and families
with children who might be struggling to pay their heating bills that help is
still available from Minnesota’s Energy Assistance Program (EAP).
“The most important issue for all Minnesotans during the winter is maintaining
a safe and warm place to stay, and I encourage families and individuals who
need assistance in heating their home to apply for energy assistance,” said
Commerce Commissioner Mike Rothman. “This extended cold snap and sky-rocketing
propane prices can present Minnesotans with tough choices between putting food
on the table or staying warm – and we are here to tell Minnesotans that crisis
funds are available to help with their heating needs.”
Yesterday, U.S. Senators Al Franken and Amy Klobuchar announced in a joint
press release that the bipartisan federal spending bill included and additional
$3.4 billion for the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program, which is an
increase of $169 million from sequester levels. The Federal Government has not yet
announced Minnesota’s specific funding, but the announcement means that many
more Minnesotans will be able to access energy assistance this year.
In response to the significant cost increases in propane – which is an
unregulated industry in the United States – the Commerce Department has begun
to take the necessary steps to increase LIHEAP Crisis payments from $500 to
$1,000 for applicants currently heating their homes with propane and heating
oil. The Department believes the crisis payments will be available as early as
next week.
How to apply for energy assistance
Minnesota received nearly $99 million in federal Low-Income Home Energy
Assistance Program (LIHEAP) funds for the Energy Assistance Progam in November.
Last year, Minnesota served 147,636 households with $109 million in federal
funds.
The average energy assistance grant is $500 per household. Households with
an income less than 50 percent of the state median income ($43,642 for a family
of four) may qualify; those who qualify are served on a first-come,
first-served basis while funds last. People have until May 31, when the program
year ends, to apply for EAP.
EAP pays the utility company directly on behalf of eligible households.
Qualifying families must apply for assistance at the local service provider in
their area; Minnesota has 32 local service providers. A list of local service
providers and information on applying for the Minnesota Energy Assistance
Program is available by visiting the Energy Assistance section of the Division of Energy Resources website (mn.gov/commerce/energy/) or by calling 1-800-657-3710 or 651-539-1882. EAP is administered by the
Minnesota Department of Commerce.
