St. Paul, Minnesota — State Representatives John Ward (DFL – Baxter) and Joe Radinovich (DFL – Crosby) are joining the Minnesota Department of Commerce in reminding low-income households, especially homes 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).
“It’s been a tough, dangerous winter already and now the increasing prices in propane and heating oil are making it worse,” said Rep. Ward. “I’ve received a number of calls and emails from constituents and wanted to make sure people were aware of this assistance. Minnesotans are used to tough winters, but if you are in need, don’t hesitate to apply for assistance.”
Last week, U.S. Senators Al Franken and Amy Klobuchar announced in a joint press release that the bipartisan federal spending bill included an additional $3.4 billion for the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP).
In response to the significant cost increases in propane the Commerce Department has begun to take the necessary steps to increase LIHEAP Crisis payments from $500 to $1,000 for applicants currently heating their homes with propane and heating oil.
“No Minnesotans should have to go without heat, regardless of their financial circumstances,” said Rep. Radinovich. “I strongly encourage people who need assistance to apply for it. Please be sure to check on your neighbors as well. As Minnesotans do in tough times, we’ll band together and get through this.”
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 (mn.gov/commerce/energy/) or by calling 1-800-657-3710 or 651-539-1882. EAP is administered by the Minnesota Department of Commerce.
In addition to expanded funding, Governor Mark Dayton and other federal leaders are calling for immediate action to address this critical propane shortage in Minnesota.
Among the action they are calling for the federal government to take is to:
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Maintain and expand the U.S. Department of Transportation exemption to the hours-of-service regulations for as long as may be necessary to address this crisis. Propane suppliers need the ability to safely transport propane from areas with greater supplies like Texas and Kansas to states facing shortages like Minnesota.
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Address any regulatory barriers at the U.S. Department of Energy so that additional shipments of propane can be delivered by other modes of transportation, including rail and pipeline.
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Examine current propane market forces and consider exercising authority outlined in 42 U.S.C. § 6212 to ensure a sufficient supply of propane for domestic consumption.
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Deliver propane to communities in danger of a devastating depletion of their supplies.
Governor Dayton declared a state of emergency on Monday, ordering state agencies to help local governments with relief efforts if the shortage gets even worse and people are unable to obtain fuel. The Governor also met this morning with propane suppliers to discuss the state’s propane shortage and how to improve the supply of propane to Minnesota consumers.
“Our state and federal leaders are taking action and we strongly support their efforts,” added Rep. Ward. “In emergencies like this, we need to put every option on the table, work together, and find solutions so Minnesotans can stay warm in this terrible cold.”
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.
Reps. Ward and Radinovich encourage constituents to contact them with any questions on the Energy Assistance Program. Rep. Ward can be reached by phone at 651-296-4333 or by email at rep.john.ward@house.mn. Rep. Radinovich can be reach by phone at 651-296-2365 or email at rep.joe.radinovich@house.mn.