Funds Available For Energy Assistance Program

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.

Minnesota to Get an Additional $56.3 Million for Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)

ST. PAUL, MN) The Minnesota Department of Commerce, Office of Energy Security (OES) today announced Minnesota will receive an additional $56.3 million in federal Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) funds for the Minnesota Energy Assistance Program (EAP). When added to the $86.4 million in federal funds already received by the state, this allocation will bring the total for the current heating season to approximately $142.7 million.

OES reports it has already received more than 146,000 applications from households requesting assistance. OES allocates these funds to 36 local service providers who work with households to distribute the funds.
EAP applications have increased 6 percent this year compared to the same time last year, and have increased 16 percent compared to the same time two years ago. The program helps low-income customers pay their heating bills through grant money paid directly to the utility company on behalf of the customer.

Last year, Minnesota served 164,783 households with $160 million in federal funds. This year, the average grant per household is about $500. Customers with 50 percent or less of the state median income ($43,500 for a family of four) may qualify. Households with seniors, people with disabilities, and families with children are especially encouraged to apply.

Qualifying families must apply for assistance at the local service provider in their area. Funding is limited and is administered on a first-come-first-serve basis.