NORTHFIELD, MN – In response to the alarming spike in propane costs throughout Minnesota, the 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 for up to $500 in additional assistance, according to the Department of Commerce.
There is also a 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. Residents of greater Minnesota can reach the hotline by calling 1-800-657-3504.
“I urge Minnesotans in our region to share this information with anyone you know who is impacted by the propane shortage,” said State Representative David Bly (DFL – Northfield). “Take time to check on your neighbors, especially seniors, to make sure they’re doing okay and are aware of this newly available assistance.”
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/
Rep. Bly also encourages his constituents to contact him and his legislative staff directly with any questions. He can be reached by phone at (651) 296-0171, rep.david.bly@house.mn, or by postal mail at 559 State Office Building, 100 Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., Saint Paul, MN 55155.