This year, with higher than normal natural gas prices, more consumers are going to be looking for some for help in paying or reducing their heating bills. First stop:
Consumers who expect to have problems paying their heating bills should contact their energy provider as soon as possible. Most utility companies in Minnesota offer bill paying options and help with energy conservation. There are no minimum income requirements for some of these forms of assistance. Apply for Cold Weather Rule protection:
The Minnesota Public Utilities Commission administers the Cold Weather Rule through the local gas and electric utility companies. The Cold Weather Rule provides income based assistance to protect households from energy shut offs. Under the rule, customers must commit to a payment plan and make regular payments to their utility company in exchange for keeping the heat on until April 15. - The rule is in effect from October 15- April 15
- Income eligibility ($36,318 for a family of four)
- Households must apply through their energy provider
- Households must develop and maintain a payment plan with their energy vendor
- Contact: Consumer Affairs Office of the Public Utilities Commission 651-296-0406
Energy Assistance Program
Low income households may be eligible for the Energy Assistance Program. The Energy Assistance Program is a federally funded program through the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and administered by the Minnesota Department of Commerce. EAP is designed to assist with energy bills, primarily in the form of grants to the energy provider on the behalf of the household. Last year, about 122,000 households received average grants of $400 per household to cover heating costs. Funding is limited for this program, so consumers are encouraged to sign up early. - Assistance is provide through local service agencies -- see phone listings in right column
- Applications and more information is available at the Department of Commerce
Call: 1-800-657-3710
or go to our website page - Income eligibility ($36,318 for a family of four)
- Households with seniors, disabled and children are given priority
- Grants are provided to assist energy bills (average grant $500)
Weatherization Assistance Program
Low income households may also receive non-financial assistance through the Weatherization Program. The Minnesota Department of Commerce administers this federally funded program through the U.S. Department of Energy. The program assists households by doing energy conservation audits and safety inspections, as well as assessing furnaces and air quality for low income households throughout the state. The program also works with both regulated and non-regulated utilities in expanded partnerships for additional conservation measures for eligible families. - Assistance is provided through local county agencies -- see phone listings in right column
- For applications or more information, contact the Department of Commerce
Call: 1-800-657-3710
or go to our website page - Income eligibility ($36,318 for a family of four)
- Applicants for the Energy Assistance Program can sign up for Weatherization Assistance on the same form.
- Households with seniors, disabled and children are given priority
- Homeowners and renters are potentially eligible
Energy Information Center
The Minnesota Department of Commerce provides extensive information for any homeowner wanting to lower heating bills. Energy conservation, which requires little effort, can dramatically lower the cost of heating your home. Help is available in the form of publications or direct telephone assistance from qualified energy specialists. Other Forms of Assistance
Other forms of assistance may include county social service programs, community based organizations and non-profit agencies such as Heat Share administered by the Salvation Army (612-721-1668). There are also loans and grants available for homeowners and landlords through Minnesota's Housing Finance Agency (1-800-710-8871). An estimated 350,000 Minnesota households will have serious problems paying their heating bills this winter. Of these, only about one-third of the households will receive some form of assistance from one or more of the following programs. This year, with higher than normal natural gas prices, more consumers are going to be looking for some for help in paying or reducing their heating bills.
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