Minnesota Utility Assistance. There is no denying that everyone experiences high utility bills during winter in Minnesota’s extreme climate. As a result, the annual expense in energy costs can be a massive financial burden to many homeowners. You can take advantage of Minnesota’s following home heating assistance programs so everyone can stay warm throughout the cold weather.
Minnesota Utility Assistance Programs
Whenever you or someone you know needs help with their energy bills, heat assistance programs can work wonders in many ways. This post lists those programs to benefit low-income families.
Energy Assistance Program (EAP)
The Energy Assistance Program (EAP), funded by the federal government and managed by the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, helps low-income families in Minnesota pay their utility bills and repair furnaces. The program covers:
- Paying utility bills.
- Assisting with energy shut-offs and fuel delivery.
- Educating about safe and efficient energy use.
- Acting as a mediator between energy suppliers and consumers.
- Repairing or replacing broken heating systems.
To qualify, you must live in Minnesota, need help paying your utility bills, and have a household income before taxes that is less than 60% of the state’s median income. The program provides:
- Utility bill payment.
- Repair or replacement of damaged or broken heating systems.
- Assistance in dealing with energy suppliers and human service providers.
- Support for fuel deliveries or resolving utility disconnections.
- Energy use education.
In addition, depending on the needs of a house, the federal government-backed low-income heat assistance program might also help you with weatherization services. And that might include weather stripping on the window and doors and home insulation.
Also, they include replacement or repair, furnace cleaning, and chimney cleaning or inspection. Besides, there is emergency utility assistance to prevent service shut-offs. Some highlighting features of the program are as follows.
- Both homeowners and renters are eligible.
- The grants may range between $200 and $1400 depending on the household size, energy usage, and income. The grants are paid to the energy supplier directly. Typically, the average grant is $550.
- It’s a program for older people, wage-earners, self-employed people, and fixed-income people.
- Crisis or emergency funds are available to help people pay an outstanding bill or avail of an emergency fuel delivery.
Weatherization Programs
In Minnesota, a person can apply for the Utility/Energy Assistance Program through local energy assistance partners. You can find them by clicking here. For further assistance, you can call 1-800-657-3710. You can get more information on the Minnesota Utility Assistance Program by visiting their website.
Weatherization Assistance Program for low-income families
Because of the weatherization assistance program, homeowners can make their homes more energy efficient. As a result, they will lower their utility bills to a great extent. However, a weatherization project can include several assistance that will benefit people in the long run—such as financial help like air sealing doors and windows or adding insulation.
The Weatherization Assistance Program for low-income households tends to serve the residents of Minnesota with 1 to 4-unit homes. The applicant must also demonstrate a minimum income below 200%, as highlighted by federal poverty income guidelines.
Go to their website to know whether or not you are eligible for the utility program, and complete a joint application for the Weatherization and Energy Assistance Program. Next, mail the same to your local CAP agency to complete the process.
4U2 Program
Do you fall short of qualifying every time you apply for the Energy Assistance Program? Minnesota Energy Resources makes energy efficiency improvements achievable to several qualified customers through a unique program.
However, the 4U2 program doesn’t help you to pay your energy bills. Instead, the program enables you to reduce future heating costs by efficiently improving your home. Here are the program requirements that an individual should meet.
- An applicant should be the renter or owner of the property. Also, they should live on the property.
- An applicant should be responsible for paying the natural gas bill directly.
- The household’s total gross income should fall within the levels outlined by the concerned authority in the eligibility requirement.
- The applicant should have an active account on Minnesota Energy Resources.
You must mail the completed application form with your income verification to 4u2@franklinenergy.com. After your application gets approved, an executive with the 4U2 program will call you and schedule an appointment.
In addition, government contractors will assess your home in preparation for weatherization and energy opportunities. Moreover, renters are eligible for the program as well. But they are expected to pay the cost of improvements. Call 866-872-0052.
LIHEAP Clearing House
The LIHEAP, or the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program, keeps families healthy and safe through resources that help households with energy costs.
- Energy Bill Assistance – Paying your home energy bills such as fuel oil, propane, natural gas, electricity, or wood.
- Weatherization support – Your house becomes more energy-efficient and reduces utility costs.
- Equipment replacement or repair – Help fix your cooling and heating equipment.
- Disaster assistance – Lend your support in the case of a natural disaster.
Call 1-866-674-6327 or email energyassistance@ncat.org to learn more about LIHEAP’s services.
Reach Out for Warmth (ROFW)
ROFW provides emergency assistance to Minnesota residents 12 months a year. The Department of Economic Security’s Energy Program Unit serves the community through local charities and assistance agencies in the state.
ROFW helps with gas, electricity, heating bills, maintenance, repair, or replacement of furnace units. Contact Prairie Five CAC, Inc. at (320)269-6578. 1-800-657-3710, or visit their website for more information.
Reach Out for Warmth (ROFW)
ROFW provides emergency assistance to Minnesota residents 12 months a year. The Department of Economic Security’s Energy Program Unit serves the community through local charities and assistance agencies in the state. ROFW helps with gas, electricity, heating bills, maintenance, repair, or replacement of furnace units.
Eligible homeowners may also qualify for up to $300.00 assistance for energy conservation repairs to the home’s heating system. Contact Prairie Five CAC, Inc. at (320)269-6578. 1-800-657-3710.
Utility Company Assistance
Alliant Energy
This utility company Offers grants to needy customers credit toward their current gas and electric bills. You qualify for assistance if eligible for the Low Income Home Assistance Program. Each family received a monthly credit toward their utility bills. 800-255-4268. Minnesota Energy Assistance Providers. Find help in your county.
Help with Xcel Energy Bill
Energy assistance is available to financially qualified low-income customers who do not have to pay more than 10% of their monthly Xcel Energy bill’s gross family income.
If you have had your service services disconnected, please get in touch with Xcel Energy immediately to set up a payment plan and get references to local and government assistance benefits.
What to Expect When Approved for Help
When your Minnesota household qualifies for the weatherization program, a local service provider will contact you. Moreover, they will conduct an assessment of your home. The best part is it is free of cost.
Precisely, it is about finding the right opportunities to make your home meet the qualifications required for the weatherization program. As a result, they make your home more efficient in terms of utilizing energy the right way. The potential energy efficiency upgrades include the following.
- Reduction in air leakage
- Attic and exterior wall insulation
- Water heater, boiler, and furnace replacement or repair
- Intuitive ideas help reduce your home’s energy usage when using electricity and gas—for example, making people understand the importance of using a programmable thermostat.
In Conclusion
Applying for weatherization Assistance is a breeze. Please find a local CAP or Community Action Partnership agency in your area. Need help finding a local Minnesota CAP agency? Go to their website to know whether or not you are eligible for the utility program, and complete a joint application for the Weatherization and Energy Assistance Program. Next, mail the same to your local CAP agency to complete the process.