Dear Neighbor,
A widespread propane shortage is impacting many Minnesotans, driving up prices and causing a number of states – including ours – to declare a state of emergency.
A hotline is now available to provide citizens with information regarding energy assistance programs, resources in their home county and more.
There is concern the persistent cold weather we are experiencing and the increased risk that households may run out of heating fuel may pose an immediate threat to public safety. The state of emergency declaration activated the Minnesota’s Homeland Security & Emergency Management procedures and provides for:
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coordinating response efforts across all state agencies of state government and helping local governments respond and recover from the emergency;
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And the Adjutant General of Minnesota will order to state active duty such personnel and equipment of the military forces of the State as required, and for such a period of time as necessary to provide assistance and emergency relief services.
Also, the Commerce Department has increased Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program crisis payments to $1,000 for applicants currently heating their homes with propane and heating oil. Information on how to apply for assistance and more is available from the Department of Commerce by calling that new hotline at (651) 297-1304 between 9 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. or at www.mn.gov/commerce/energy/consumers/Heating-Assistance.
Other details regarding this issue are available at https://dps.mn.gov/divisions/ooc/news-releases/Pages/Update-2-Propane-Shortage.aspx.
Hope this helps,
Tom