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ST. PAUL, Minn. (KFGO) – Minnesota’s Energy Assistance Program is distributing funds to approved households after a month-long delay caused by the federal government shutdown.
Michael Schmitz with the Department of Commerce says the state received about the same amount as last season — $112.7 million in federal funds — to help families heat their homes.
“Now that federal funding has been released, we’re moving quickly to get energy assistance out the door,” said Commerce Commissioner Grace Arnold. “In our coldest months, higher utility bills can put real pressure on Minnesotans’ budgets. Our Energy Assistance Program plays a crucial role in easing that burden on household budgets and ensuring Minnesotans have the support they need to get through the winter. These funds will keep families safe and warm.”
Last year, funding prevented utility shutoffs for nearly 40,000 households, provided emergency heating fuel deliveries to almost 8,000 homes, and provided emergency furnace repairs to 4,600 homes.
About two-thirds of the benefits go to homes located outside the Twin Cities metro area. About 40% of households receiving energy assistance in Minnesota had a person over age 60 or had a household member with a disability, and about one in six households had children under age 6 living in the home.
In 2024, the energy assistance program awarded 125,600 households with energy assistance, with an average household benefit of $736.
The program has already received 90,000 applications, and officials encourage eligible residents to apply. Homeowners and renters may also qualify for Minnesota’s Weatherization Assistance Program and receive free home improvements to help save energy and ensure a warm, healthy, safe home.
More information is available on the Minnesota Department of Commerce website.
