HIBBING, MN – A trio of Iron Range legislators are urging low-income households in northeast Minnesota, especially those with senior citizens, people with disabilities, veterans, and families with children who might be struggling to pay their heating bills that help is still available from Minnesota’s Energy Assistance Program (EAP).
In response to the significant cost increases in propane – which is an unregulated industry in the United States – the Minnesota Department of Commerce has begun to take the necessary steps to increase Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) Crisis payments from $500 to $1,000 for applicants currently heating their homes with propane and heating oil. The Department believes the crisis payments will be available as early as next week.
“We are extremely concerned and troubled by the recent spike in propane prices,” said State Representatives Tom Anzelc (DFL – Balsam Township), Carly Melin (DFL – Hibbing), and Jason Metsa (DFL – Virginia). “In the wealthiest nation on Earth, no one should ever have to worry about whether or not they can afford to keep themselves and their families warm during these cold winter months. Minnesotans look out for one another, which is why we offer programs to provide financial assistance for those who have fallen on hard times. We urge eligible constituents to apply for the Energy Assistance Program and contact us if they have any questions.”
The new bipartisan federal spending bill included an additional $3.4 billion for LIHEAP, which is an increase of $169 million from sequester levels. The Federal Government has not yet announced Minnesota’s specific funding, but the announcement means that many more Minnesotans will be able to access energy assistance this year.
How to apply for energy assistance
Minnesota received nearly $99 million in federal LIHEAP funds for the Energy Assistance Program in November. Last year, Minnesota served 147,636 households with $109 million in federal funds.
The average energy assistance grant is $500 per household. Households with an income less than 50 percent of the state median income ($43,642 for a family of four) may qualify; those who qualify are served on a first-come, first-served basis while funds last. People have until May 31, when the program year ends, to apply for EAP.
EAP pays the utility company directly on behalf of eligible households. Qualifying families must apply for assistance at the local service provider in their area; Minnesota has 32 local service providers. A list of local service providers and information on applying for the Minnesota Energy Assistance Program is available by visiting the Energy Assistance section of the Division of Energy Resources website or by calling 1-800-657-3710 or 651-539-1882. EAP is administered by the Minnesota Department of Commerce.
Energy Assistance section: http://mn.gov/commerce/energy/consumers/Heating-Assistance/
Other forms of assistance may be available through county social service programs, community-based organizations, and nonprofit agencies. See the Stay Warm Minnesota webpage for a list of resources:
http://mn.gov/commerce/energy/topics/resources/Stay-Warm-Minnesota/