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Gov. Tim Walz announced a federal disbursement of $112 million to the Minnesota Energy Assistance Program, administered by the Minnesota Department of Commerce, to help people afford heat this winter.
You can apply for the program here.
And here’s a list of Energy Assistance Program providers by county and tribal government.
Last year, the program helped 129,500 households, providing over $95 million, with an average household benefit of $736, according to the Walz administration. This year’s funding will provide an increase in average household benefits.
The Cold Weather Rule also prevents power companies from shutting off gas and electric from Oct. 1 to April 30. Shutoff protection requires a payment plan with the utility. (Find more information on the Cold Weather Rule here.)
The energy assistance money prevented utility shutoffs for 43,000 households last year, provided emergency heating fuel deliveries to over 10,000 homes, and provided emergency furnace repairs to 6,600 homes, according to the Walz administration.
The energy assistance program has a companion, the Weatherization Assistance Program, which provides free home energy upgrades to income-eligible homeowners and renters. Go here for more information.