During a week of winter storms and temperatures dropping close to zero degrees, it’s important to remember that providing Energy Assistance across the North Star state is more urgent than ever this winter. Rising energy costs are making it increasingly difficult for our most vulnerable neighbors to stay safe and warm.
As MPRNews highlighted in early October, there are many factors leading to increasing energy costs this winter, including global inflation and the ongoing war in Ukraine. Xcel Energy predicted at the start of winter that monthly natural gas costs were likely to increase 10 percent over last year, with CenterPoint Energy also expecting higher costs.
In fact, a new MRNews article demonstrates that our rural Minnesota communities are particularly vulnerable, with the cost of fuel oil increasing to $5.19 per gallon from $2.50 per gallon pre-pandemic.
And because the extra funds from the American Rescue Plan Act to energy assistance programs across the country are depleted, folks are actually seeing less money available this year for heating assistance grants than last year.
Still, many are hopeful congress will take action and provide additional funding to offset inflated heating costs, so it is important for eligible families to apply for programs like our Energy Assistance program, even if the assistance being provided doesn’t seem like enough. More funds may be on the way!
We encourage every eligible family to apply! For more information about Energy Assistance at Community Action, to check eligibility, or to apply please call us at 651-645-6470 or email us at eap@caprw.org. You can also visit us online at our dedicated Energy Assistance webpage.
