Energy assistance can help Minnesotans who struggle to pay heating bills

SAINT PAUL – The past month’s extreme cold has once again reminded Minnesotans how important it is to keep our homes heated in winter for both safety and comfort.

With plenty of winter still to come, the Minnesota Commerce Department encourages Minnesotans who depend on delivered fuels, such as propane and heating oil, to keep their fuel tanks well supplied, conserve energy and apply for energy assistance if they need help paying their heating bills.

“To ensure a warm and safe home, we urge the many Minnesotans who depend on propane or heating oil to make sure their fuel tanks are always at least one quarter full,” said Commerce Commissioner Jessica Looman. “We still have weeks of winter remaining, so it is best to plan ahead and work with your supplier to schedule deliveries to keep your supply at a safe level.”

The Commerce Department offers some basic tips for propane and fuel oil consumers:

Don’t let your tank reach empty. Call for a refill when your tank is 25-30 percent full. If your tank is empty, the supplier must do a full inspection to check pressure and leaks, which can result in an extra charge.

Consider asking your propane supplier for a budget plan to spread out your payments. A law signed by Gov. Mark Dayton after a shortage in 2014 requires most propane distributors to offer customers a budget payment plan. Distributors must also notify budget-plan customers of price or fee changes that may affect their monthly payment amount by more than 20 percent.

Know your rights. The 2014 law also established consumer protections, including transparent pricing.  Distributors are required to inform customers of current per-gallon price and additional charges, fees and discounts. There is also a prohibition on extra fees, such as adding any service, distribution, transportation or other fees to the bills of customers who enter into a contract with the distributor.

Conserve energy so you can save both fuel and money. Programmable thermostats, energy-efficient appliances and other energy-saving measures help reduce energy use. The Commerce Department website features a Home Energy Guide with tips to save on energy.

Apply for energy assistance.  If you are struggling with your heating bills, the state’s Energy Assistance Program is available to help low-income Minnesotans pay for their energy costs. An average grant per household was about $520 last year. Information about the Energy AssistanceProgram is available on the Commerce Department website or by calling (toll-free) 800-657-3710.

Interstate 94 corridor designated an alternative fuel route

ST. PAUL, Minn. - The Interstate 94 corridor from Detroit, Mich., to the Minnesota/North Dakota border is one of 55 routes the Federal Highway Administration has designated nationally to promote alternative fuels and help drivers find vehicle charging stations nationwide.

Spanning 35 states and covering 85,000 miles, this new network was created under the Fixing America’s Surface Transportation Act. The alternative fuel corridors designation will be used to promote electric, hydrogen, propane and natural gas vehicles by encouraging development of fueling and charging stations along these routes. 

“Alternative fuels and electric vehicles will play an integral part in the future of Minnesota’s transportation,” said Charlie Zelle, Minnesota Department of Transportation commissioner. “MnDOT is excited to be a part of helping drivers identify routes that will help them refuel and recharge those vehicles. Designating the I-94 Corridor is a great place to start the process.”

Working in a partnership with Minnesota Pollution Control Agency, MnDOT submitted an application to designate I-94 as a ‘Zero Emissions Corridor,’ a type of alternative fuel corridor, to promote electric vehicle charging infrastructure.

“Interstate 94 from Minneapolis to St. Cloud has been designated as ‘signage-ready’,” said Tim Sexton, MnDOT’s Construction and Operations Section director. “The designation means there is an existing network of public fast-charging stations close enough to one another to reliably travel the corridor with today’s models of electric vehicles. FHWA is developing final guidance on sign design and placement, but they’re expected to look similar to existing signage that alert drivers to gas stations, food and lodging.”

According to Fran Crotty, electric vehicle state program administrator for the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency, “By supporting lower emission vehicles, alternative fuel corridors will help reduce transportation emissions, the leading source of U.S. greenhouse gas emissions.” 

“Identifying where alternative fueling stations can be found will help the public in many ways,” Zelle said. “We can accelerate the use of innovative vehicles, improve air quality and ensure that our transportation system meets the needs of the 21^st century drivers.” 

For a complete list of alternative fuel corridors, visit the FHWA website.  

Commerce Department reminds Minnesotans to keep propane tanks above one quarter full this winter

SAINT PAUL, MN – In Minnesota, being prepared for winter is always a necessity. The Minnesota Department of Commerce reminds Minnesotans who depend on propane and fuel oil for heat, to watch fuel tank levels and call your supplier before your tank goes below one quarter full.

“Planning ahead and making sure your propane and fuel oil tanks stay above a quarter full can help ensure your family stays safe and warm this winter,” said Commerce Commissioner Mike Rothman. “I encourage consumers who use these fuels to talk to their suppliers about scheduled delivery programs that will make sure you have the supply of fuel you need.”

The Department of Commerce also urges Minnesotans who need financial assistance to pay heating bills to see if they are eligible for help through the Low Income Heating Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP). The Commerce Department administers LIHEAP in partnership with 31 local service providers throughout the state. LIHEAP is federally funded through the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. The program helps renters and homeowners earning at or below 50 percent of the state’s median income ($44,912 for a family of four) obtain grant money to help pay their heating bills.

The average annual grant per household last year was $500. Households with seniors, people with disabilities, veterans, and children are especially encouraged to apply.

To apply, contact the local service provider in your county by calling 1-800-657-3710 or visit the Energy Assistance Program section on the Division of Energy Resources website.

Use Alternative Heat Sources Safely

The State Fire Marshal (SFM) reminds residents to use caution when using alternative heating sources such as space heaters.

·         Keep anything flammable -- including pets and people -- at least three feet away from heating equipment.

·         Make sure portable space heaters have an automatic shut-off.

·         Turn portable heaters off when leaving the room or going to bed.

·         Space heaters need constant watching. Never leave a space heater on when you go to sleep. Never place a space heater close to any sleeping person.

·         Make sure all cords on electric heaters are in good shape and checked periodically for any frays or breaks in the insulation surrounding the wires.

·         Check the cord and outlet occasionally for overheating; if it feels hot, discontinue use.

·         Place the heater on a level, hard and nonflammable surface, not on rugs or carpets or near bedding or drapes.

·         Use a heater that has been tested to the latest safety standards and certified by a nationally recognized testing laboratory. These heaters will have the most up to date safety features; older space heaters may not meet the newer safety standards.

Preventing Carbon Monoxide (CO) poisoning

·         Make sure CO detectors are working throughout your home; Minnesota law requires CO alarms in every single family and multifamily dwelling.

·         Have a qualified technician inspect your fuel-burning appliances each year to ensure they are adequately vented and properly maintained. CO testing should be part of the inspection.

·         Make sure furnace exhaust vents, air intake hoods, and chimneys are clear of snow and ice in order to keep the heat on and prevent carbon monoxide poisoning.

·         Do not idle cars in garages, either attached or unattached, for any length of time. In both cases, start your car and exit the garage immediately. Dangerously high levels of CO will accumulate even if the garage door is open.

·         Provide adequate ventilation when using a fireplace, wood stove or space heater.

·         Portable propane camping equipment and gas barbecues are approved for outdoor use only. Never use them inside cabins, tents, fish houses, or other enclosed shelters.

·         If your car is stuck in snow, make sure that the tail pipe is cleared before starting the engine.

·         During power outages, do not use gasoline engines or burn charcoal in enclosed spaces, including garages, even if the door is open.

·         Never use kitchen stoves, gasoline heaters, or other alternative methods to heat your home if running into financial hardship.  Please contact the Department of CommerceEnergy Assistance Program to learn how you can apply for assistance to pay home heating costs.