Three Rivers helped me out when I was in a hard place and my heat/electric was going to be cut off. Now, thanks to you, I am caught up on my electric and heat bill and am making it without the worries of whether or not we'll have heat or light. I truly appreciate it.
Energy Assistance
The Energy Assistance Program* is Now Accepting Applications
The application period for the 2023-2024 Energy Assistance program year has begun. All applications received or postmarked by May 31, 2024 will be processed.
You can now apply for Energy Assistance online through the Minnesota Department of Commerce. Just use the link below, register and complete your application.
* Please note that water assistance is not available for this program year.
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 designed to help pay heating and electricity costs. Assistance is available because people with lower incomes might have a difficult time paying all of their bills and people must have heat and electricity in the winter in Minnesota.
Homeowners may also be eligible for heating system repairs or replacement.
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. This program will not pay all of your heat or electric costs. You will still need to make payments on your monthly bills to avoid disconnections, shut-offs or low fuel tanks.
SUBMIT YOUR APPLICATION BY:
- Completing the online application at http://www.mn.gov/home
- Dropping it off in one of our offices or dropboxes; or
- Emailing it to energyassistance@threeriverscap.org
- Faxing it to (507) 258-5501; or
- Mailing it to: Three Rivers, 1414 Northstar Drive, Zumbrota, MN 55992
APPLICATION MATERIALS:
2023-2024 Online Energy Assistance Application
2023-2024 Energy Assistance Application
2023-2024 Energy Assistance Application - Fillable
2023-2024 Energy Assistance Application - Spanish
Eligibility Guidelines
The Minnesota Energy Assistance Program uses 1 month 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 thes following ncome guidelines for 1 month:
| Household Size | Maximum income for 1 month |
| 1 | $2,722 |
| 2 | $3,559 |
| 3 | $4,397 |
| 4 | $5,235 |
| 5 | $6,072 |
| 6 | $6,910 |
| 7 | $7,067 |
| 8 | $7,224 |
| 9 | $7,381 |
| 10 | $7,538 |
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 Participants:
To assist income eligible participants with their heating and/or electric costs. Service provided includes: monetary grant paid directly to participant's heating and/or electric accounts.
Eligibility:
Income eligible participant 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:
2023-2024 application period is October 1, 2023 to May 31, 2024
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.