Dear neighbors,
I realize this is the second email about heating fuel this week, but I wanted to update you about some tools for dealing with the propane shortage emergency. More than 200,000 households in our state heat their home with propane. In response to the alarming spike in propane costs in our region, the Minnesota Department of Commerce recently announced additional financial assistance for eligible Minnesotans currently heating their homes with propane and heating oil.
Financial assistance is available through Minnesota’s Energy Assistance Program (EAP), with additional payments available as early as next week. Households with an income less than 50 percent of the state median income ($43,642 for a family of four) may qualify.
There’s also newly-created hotline operating Monday through Friday from 9:00am to 4:30pm for Minnesotans who have questions about the current propane situation or who are in danger of running out of heating fuel. Call 651-297-1304 for assistance in the metro area or 1-800-657-3504 for greater Minnesota.
I strongly urge you to share this information with anyone you know who is impacted by the propane shortage. Up to $500 in additional funds for eligible individuals and families are at stake.
HOW TO APPLY FOR FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE:
EAP pays utility companies directly on behalf of eligible households. Qualifying families must apply for assistance at the local service provider in their area.
To find a list of local service providers and information on applying for the Minnesota Energy Assistance Program, you can call 1-800-657-3710 or 651-539-1882 or visit the Energy Assistance section of the Division of Energy Resources website:
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/
You can also get in touch with me and my legislative staff by calling 651-296-4929 or emailing me at rep.jay.mcnamar@house.mn .
I am extremely concerned by this ongoing emergency and want to let you know that finding solutions and helping our neighbors are my top priorities right now. Please be in touch if there’s any way I can be of assistance.
Sincerely,
Jay McNamar
State Representative