SAINT PAUL – Minnesota has received an additional
$14,739,042 in federal funds for the state’s Energy Assistance Program that
helps low-income homeowners and renters pay their heating bills. Minnesota
households still have time, through May 31, to apply for assistance.
“The heating season is coming to an end, but there are
still many Minnesotans who need help to pay current and past-due heating
bills,” said Commerce Commissioner Jessica Looman. “We urge all Minnesotans who
may qualify to apply for energy assistance.”
The Energy Assistance Program is administered by the
Minnesota Commerce Department in partnership with 30 local service providers
throughout the state. With the additional funds, Minnesota has now received a
total of $116,969,082 for the 2017-2018 heating season from the federal
Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program.
Minnesotans who have difficulty paying their heating
bills are encouraged to apply for energy assistance. Households with children
under age six, people with disabilities, veterans and seniors are especially
encouraged to apply.
Applications are accepted until May 31, 2018. Energy
assistance funds are limited and households are served on a first-come,
first-served basis. The funds are paid directly to utility companies and
heating fuel vendors on behalf of their customers who apply and qualify for
energy assistance.
Last year the Energy Assistance Program helped more than
126,000 Minnesota households. The average annual grant per household was about
$520.
Minnesota renters and homeowners earning at or below 50
percent of the state’s median income ($48,077 for a family of four) are
eligible to apply for grant money to help pay their heating bills.
To apply, contact the local service provider in your
county. To find your service provider, visit the Minnesota EnergyAssistance Program on the Commerce
Department website (mn.gov/commerce) or call 800-657-3710.
Other forms of assistance may be available through county
social service programs, community-based organizations and nonprofit agencies.
For more information on energy topics, contact the
Minnesota Commerce Department’s Energy Information Center by email at energy.info@state.mn.us
or by phone 651-539-1886 or 800-657-3710.
