ST PAUL, Minn. — Minnesotans who need help paying their heating bills this winter can apply to Minnesota's Energy Assistance Program through the Minnesota Dept. of Commerce.
As of December 1, 59,000 Minnesota households have already applied for and received aid, with an average check of $570. The payments from the program go directly to the utility companies.
The state works through Community Action Partnership agencies on the assistance program, which can also include emergency furnace repairs and weatherization grants.
"Weatherization is a way to keep costs down over the long term, so if you have a house or an apartment that’s not well insulated, leaking heat, you’re going to have high energy bills no matter what," Minnesota Commerce Commissioner Grace Arnold told reporters Monday.
"We want to make sure that people over the long run have the ability to have lower bills."
As of Monday, the program had carried out more than 7,000 emergency responses to prevent disconnections, made 1,200 emergency fuel deliveries, and carried out 1,300 furnace repairs, according to Commissioner Arnold.
She said the program got off to an earlier start than usual this year because the state's share of federal grant money arrived sooner than usual, according to Commerce Commissioner Grace Arnold.
This year the Minnesota Legislature removed one of the barriers to winterizing homes. Previously, buildings with asbestos or leaking roofs couldn't qualify for weatherization aid. But a new state program will plug that gap by paying for pre-weatherization home improvements.
Sandra Pyles, the energy assistance program director at Community Action Partnership of Washington and Ramsey Counties, appeared at the same State Capitol news conference. She said her agency has been busy this year with emergency assistance and furnace repairs.
"It's called the ERR – Emergency Repair Program. If you are a homeowner and do not have a working furnace, we have helped you get a new one. We can help you repair it. We can help you replace it."
One of her clients, Tanya, said the furnace broke down in her Cottage Grove home this fall. Two repairmen told her the system was shot and would need to be replaced. One of those contractors also told her about the Emergency Repair Program.
"I didn’t think I would qualify. I’m a federal worker in Minnesota." Tanya recalled.
"I went online, filled out the application, and the next day called to see if they received my application. I talked to someone on a Thursday, and by Tuesday they had someone in my household repairing my furnace. I don’t know what I would’ve done without that help."
The program is open to both renters and homeowners who meet income guidelines. A family of four, for example, could qualify if they earn less than $62, 822 annually.
Once someone has qualified for aid, they will receive a new application form from the state each year. The deadline to apply is May 31, 2024.