Energy Assistance

 The Energy Assistance Program is Closed for the Season

The application period for the 2022-2023  Energy Assistance program year has ended. All applications received or postmarked by May 31 will continue to be processed.
Applications for the upcoming 2023-2024 program year will be available in early September.

 

ENERGY ASSISTANCE AVAILABLE TO HELP PAY HEAT AND ELECTRIC BILLS

During this time of uncertainty, more and more people may be facing economic hardship. If your household or someone you know is worried about paying for heat and electric bills, apply for Energy Assistance (EAP).

Energy Assistance is a federal program to help pay heating and electricity bills. Homeowners may also be eligible for a free heating system repair or replacement.

Energy Assistance is a program to help households pay heating and electricity bills. Assistance is available because people with low incomes might have a difficult time paying all of their bills and people must have heat and electricity in the winter in Minnesota.

This help is for people of all ages with varying sources of income. Homeowners and renters who meet the income guidelines can get help. You should apply for help before you get a past due bill or run out of fuel. The program will not pay all of your heat or electric costs. You will need to make payments on your monthly bills also.

Eligibility Guidelines

The Minnesota Energy Assistance Program uses the past 3 months of household income prior to signing the application and/or last year's federal tax forms for self-employment income for making eligibility determination. Household income cannot be more than these income guidelines for 3 months:
 
Household Size Gross income for 3 months
         1 $9,171
         2 $11,993
         3 $14,815
         4 $17,638
         5 $20,460
         6 $23,282
         7 $23,811
         8 $24,340
         9 $24,869
 
To check on the status of your submitted application, please call (507) 316-0610.

We can also tell you about other help available and how to save energy.

All information you give us is private.

The Energy Assistance Program (EAP) ensures that households with the lowest incomes and the highest energy costs receive the greatest benefit. EAP services include:

  • A grant to pay a portion of heating and/or electricity costs.
  • Crisis intervention for threat of or no heat situations.
  • Energy Related Repair for home heating system repair or replacement for homeowners. 
  • Referral to Weatherization and other human service providers.

Purpose of Program - Outcome for clients:

To assist income eligible clients with their heating and/or electric costs. Service provided includes: monetary grant paid directly to clients heating and or electric accounts.

Eligibility:

Income eligible client who completes application.

Who:

Any homeowner or renter with a heating and or electric bill, living in Goodhue, Olmsted, Rice, or Wabasha counties.

Time Frame:

2022-2023 application period is October 1, 2022 to May 31, 2023.

For more information:

(507) 316-0610 or 800-277-8418

Energy Information:

A great source for energy information is the Minnesota Department of Commerce-Energy website.  Some of the topics on the web site include: Clean Energy, Conservation Improvement Programs, Energy Projects and Rates, Efficiency, and Financial Assistance.  The Information Resources page includes tips about how to save energy in your home, frequently asked questions on energy-related topics, and step-by-step guides to help you reduce the energy use in your home.

Funding for this program provided by Federal Low Income Home and Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) Funds.