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State Representative Jim Davnie
100 Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.
651-296-0173
For more information contact: Chris Shields 651-296-8873
NEWS COLUMN
STAYING WARM WITH HIGH COSTS
This coming winter, residents will see some of the most expensive natural gas prices ever. Hurricanes in the Gulf region have sent energy prices soaring nationwide. In Minneapolis, CenterPoint Energy is charging 77 percent more for natural gas than they did at this time last year. While it is unknown how much prices will be in the coming months, price increases are expected to continue. With that in mind, I would like to suggest a few options available from the state and energy companies that will lower costs and keep the heat on.
Conserve Energy
The best way to lower your costs is to use less energy. Have your furnaces and water heating equipment inspected by a professional to make sure they are running as efficiently and safely as possible. Utility companies offer home energy audits that can discover ways to save energy in your home. For lower income residents, CenterPoint has a free weatherization program that will help save energy and lower costs. If you can make the investment, replace old furnaces and water heaters with more energy efficient units. As a general rule, try not to use more energy than you need, this will make a significant difference.
Bill Payment Budget Plans
A great way to avoid unexpectedly high heating bills is to sign up for a budget plan. CenterPoint offers a plan that spreads costs out for the entire year with a regular monthly payment. A budget plan is especially good for people with a fixed income.
Heat Assistance
There is assistance available for people who can't afford to pay high heating bills this winter. The Minnesota Energy Assistance Office can be contacted at 1-800-657-3805 for information on programs that provide relief. In addition, the Minnesota Salvation Army's HeatShare program can be contacted at 1-800-842-7279 for additional assistance paying bills. Loans and grants are also available for homeowners and landlords through the Minnesota Housing Finance Agency at 1-800-710-8871.
Shut-Off Protection
Minnesota state law protects residents from disconnection of heat-providing utilities from October 15 through April 15. Utility customers who agree to a payment plan are eligible for shut-off protection. Customers should contact their heat utility as soon as possible to apply for protection.
For information on specific programs offered by energy companies call CenterPoint Energy at 612-321-4680 if you have a natural gas furnace or Xcel Energy at 1-800-895-4999 if you have an electric furnace.
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