As we approach springtime, the Minnesota “Cold Weather Rule” remains in effect until April 30, 2022, and households that need help paying their utility bills can still apply for Energy Assistance. During the 2021 – 2022 heating season, more Minnesotans qualify for the Energy Assistance Program than ever before. Eligible households – which include those living at or below either 60 percent of the State Median Income (SMI) or 110 percent of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Poverty Guidelines – can receive as much as $1,600 to pay their energy bills. Plus, for the first time in the program’s history, households can now request help with their water bills.
Some Minnesota households may also qualify for additional support to cover past due balances and avert future utility disconnections. And finally, many Energy Assistance participants are eligible for home weatherization improvements through the Energy Conservation Program. These services help increase energy efficiency, reduce utility bills, and make the home safer. Community Action’s Energy Conservation Program can also perform emergency related repairs at no cost to participating households, which include furnace repair or replacement.
Residents of Ramsey or Washington counties may request an application by calling Community Action at 651-645-6470 or by sending an email to eap@caprw.org. Households can also visit our Energy Assistance Program webpage, where you can check to make sure you qualify, download an application, and access other helpful links, services, and resources. Applications are also available in person at our St. Paul headquarters (450 Syndicate Street North, Suite 122) and our Washington County location in Oakdale (1101 Geneva Avenue North), Mondays through Fridays, between 8:00 am and 4:30 pm.
For those in other Minnesota counties that need help paying their utility bills, please visit the Minnesota Department of Commerce Energy Assistance website to request an application and find your local energy assistance provider. Applications are available in Hmong, Somali, Spanish, and Vietnamese.
