Don’t wait to sign up for energy bill help, official says

As temperatures drop, utility bills rise, and federally funded programs that help Minnesotans reduce those costs are currently short on cash.

“This program is absolutely essential for the people who need it,” said Lisa Pawlish, assistant commissioner of the Minnesota Department of Commerce, which administers the state’s energy assistance program. “Seniors who have really fixed incomes, without those dollars, may not be able to pay their energy bill.”

The government shutdown has left money for Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program On the table awaiting permission. The program provides, on average, hundreds of dollars to thousands of eligible families to help pay energy bills.

Minnesota It has a “cold weather rule” that keeps out heat From its interruption at the beginning of October until the end of April. However, this only applies if the resident has a payment plan with the provider based on their financial needs.

Being part of the assistance program, for some households, will automatically trigger a ban on cutting off certain utilities.

“It is absolutely essential that people register now and get their applications in,” Pawlish said. “Make sure we have all your paperwork taken care of so we can start getting these benefits as soon as we get the funding.”

The cold weather rule does not apply if the household relies on fuel, oil, propane or wood for heat, but being part of an energy assistance program can help cover these costs.

The deadline to apply for energy assistance during the winter of 2025-2026 is May 31, 2026, the last day of this year’s program.

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