SAINT PAUL, MN – With more frigid temperatures here, the
Minnesota Department of Commerce wants to remind low-income Minnesotans on how
to get help paying their heating bills through the state’s Energy Assistance
Program.
“Energy assistance helps pay energy bills so that
low-income seniors, veterans and families do not struggle keeping their home
heat on during our cold winters,” said Commerce Commissioner Mike Rothman.
“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.”
Energy Assistance helps low-income homeowners and renters
pay for heating bills through grant money paid directly to utility companies
and heating fuel vendors on behalf of eligible households. The funding also
helps some homeowners repair or replace malfunctioning heat systems. Households
that include young children, people with disabilities, veterans, and seniors
are especially encouraged to apply.
Average annual grant is $500
In October 2016, Minnesota received $101 million in federal Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) funds for this year’s Energy Assistance Program. Last year Minnesota served nearly 133,000 households with EAP funds, with an average grant of about $500.
In October 2016, Minnesota received $101 million in federal Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) funds for this year’s Energy Assistance Program. Last year Minnesota served nearly 133,000 households with EAP funds, with an average grant of about $500.
Commerce administers the Energy Assistance Program in
partnership with 30 local service providers throughout the state. The program
is federally funded and helps households that earn less than 50 percent of the
state’s median annual income ($47,194 for a family of four) obtain funds to
help pay their heating bills.
How to apply for Energy Assistance
New applicants have until May 31, 2017 to apply, but funding is limited and administered on a first-come, first-served basis. Qualifying households must apply for assistance at the local service provider in their area. To find your local service provider, call the Commerce Department toll-free at 800-657-3710 or visit the Energy Assistance Program section of the Commerce Department’s website.
New applicants have until May 31, 2017 to apply, but funding is limited and administered on a first-come, first-served basis. Qualifying households must apply for assistance at the local service provider in their area. To find your local service provider, call the Commerce Department toll-free at 800-657-3710 or visit the Energy Assistance Program section of the Commerce Department’s website.
