We know that COVID-19 has created additional financial hardships, placing an even larger burden on families already struggling to pay their bills or bring their accounts current. If you are experiencing difficulty paying your electric bill, the Energy Assistance Program (EAP) helps pay for home heating costs and furnace repairs for income-qualified homeowners and renters.
EAP primary heat grants range from $200 to $1,600 depending on family size, income and energy costs. In addition to primary heat grants, crisis-benefit grants are also available. For the second year in a row, the Minnesota Department of Commerce has increased the maximum annual crisis-benefit grants for qualifying households from $600 to $1,200.
Despite the large infusion of dollars into the EAP program, applications for primary heat benefits are down by about 10%, and applications for crisis benefits are down by about 30%. The EAP application deadline is May 31, 2021, but may possibly be extended until July 1, 2021
To learn more about the EAP program or to apply for assistance:
- Visit the Minnesota Department of Commerce Energy Assistance website, https://mn.gov/commerce/consumers/consumer-assistance/energy-assistance/, for more details and to access the application portal.
- Contact your county EAP service provider for additional information and assistance.
Minnesota’s Cold Weather Rule also helps to protect and reconnect residential heat from Oct. 15 through April 15.
North Star Electric Cooperative exists because of you, and we are dedicated to the people and communities we serve. If you are having difficulty paying your electric bill and do not qualify for either of these programs, please contact Sue at 218-278-6658 to set up a payment plan.