ST. PAUL – As a stretch of bitter-cold temperatures hits the region, Rep. Shane Mekeland, R-Clear Lake, is reminding residents that heating assistance is available to those who are struggling to pay their bills.
“As temperatures go down, our heating bills go up, that’s just the reality of winter in Minnesota,” Mekeland said. “Unfortunately, the increased heating bills we are about to see come at a time more Minnesotans have either been out of work or have seen reduced paychecks in recent months. Anyone who is struggling to pay their heating bill is encouraged to check into assistance that may be available to them. In the meantime, it is important to stay on top of things by reaching out to your utility company to set up a payment plan instead of falling too far behind.”
The state’s Low Income Energy Assistance Program, Mekeland said, serves both renters and homeowners, providing financial assistance to pay past due energy bills to avoid disconnection, to purchase emergency full, or to repair or replace a homeowner’s malfunctioning furnace.
Eligibility guidelines apply and are based on a household’s past three months of income. The EAP is federally funded through the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
The application period is open until May 31 and you can visit www.mn.gov/commerce/eap.jsp to determine eligibility or to learn more about the EAP.
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