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February 23, 2021
With spring just around the corner and an expected spike in natural gas bills, the Minnesota Department of Commerce Energy Assistance Program (EAP) has contacted energy assistance providers in recent days, asking them to ramp up outreach efforts.
EAP can help pay current and past due heating bills. EAP grants range from $300 to $1,600 depending on family size, income and energy costs, with an average grant of about $550.
EAP serves both renters and homeowners. Eligibility is based on the past three months of income. Examples of maximum 3-month income are $7,066 for a household of one and $13,589 for a household of four.
EAP currently has funds available, and is expecting another $10-12 million in federal Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program funds. Minnesota is also expected to get around $375 million for housing assistance, which can also be used on utilities. In addition, $680 million has been appropriated for water utility assistance, though many details around this program are unknown at this point.
With a surge in applications expected in the days ahead, municipal utilities are urged to contact their local energy assistance provider to coordinate outreach efforts.
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