Low-income Minnesotans
can apply for help until May 31
For Immediate Release
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.
How to apply for
energy assistance
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 Energy
Assistance 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.
Commerce is here to help
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.
Media Contact
Ross Corson Director of Communications Minnesota Department of Commerce p: 651-539-1463 | c: 651-368-5050 | ross.corson@state.mn.us
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