Amount of Help for Heating Costs Doubles Following February’s Arctic Blast

(KNSI) – The Minnesota Department of Commerce says it is increasing the amount of help available for people struggling to pay heating costs.

Following the arctic blast that slammed much of the country last month, the crisis benefit for qualifying households has gone from $600 to $1,200 dollars. On February 23rd, the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission and Department of Commerce announced an investigation by the State of Minnesota into the impacts of the natural gas price spike.

According to a press release from the Department, Minnesota’s Energy Assistance Program can help households pay energy bills, reconnected or prevent energy disconnection, get fuel delivered, learn about efficiency and safety, and repair or replace homeowners’ broken heating systems.

For those who have not already applied for help this heating season, there is still time. Both renters and homeowners can qualify to get energy assistance. New applicants have until May 31st, 2021, to apply; however, funding is limited and administered on a first-come, first-served basis. In November 2020, Minnesota received more than $106 million in federal Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) funds for this year’s Energy Assistance Program.

Beneficiaries must earn less than $54,357 for a household of four or $28,266 for an individual. Assistance is capped at $1,600.

Locally, the Tri-County Action Program or TriCAP helps those living in Benton, Stearns, Sherburne, and Morrison county with paying a portion of their home heating costs.

Learn more or apply for assistance by clicking here.