Grants Still Available for Minnesotans Who Need Help Paying Energy Bills

(KNSI) – Grants are available to Minnesota households that are struggling to pay utility bills.

The Citizens Utility Board of Minnesota says Minnesotans who make 60 percent or less of the state’s median income are qualified for energy assistance funds, and there’s extra help available to those who are at risk of being disconnected from their energy service, the nonprofit group says.

The Citizens Utility Board says applicants don’t necessarily have to be behind on utility bills to qualify for the grants, which are part of the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program.

“Even though we’re coming out of the official state of emergency, a lot of people are really struggling to afford energy bills,” says Carmen Carruthers, outreach director for CUB. “The good news is that there are resources and protections available.”

Energy service disconnections were prohibited in Minnesota through most of 2020 and 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, but utilities can disconnect customers due to nonpayment starting August 2nd.

Minnesotans can apply for Energy Assistance by finding their grant provider in their county or tribal government. For Stearns, Sherburne and Benton counties, that agency is TriCAP. Minnesotans can also call 1-800-657-3710 to learn about Energy Assistance.

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