Minnesota Programs Help Save Money on Heating Bills
By: Source: AARP.org Date Posted: 2006-02-02 14:32:14
The Minnesota winter has arrived—and it is an expensive one for many of us! Homes heated with oil or gas are seeing significantly higher bills this year, and the low income heating and energy assistance program (LIHEAP) can help guarantee that the heat stays on no matter how cold it gets.
AARP is urging seniors and all families who qualify for help in paying for their energy bills to apply yet this year. Households of two earning $ 26, 088 or less qualify for assistance—and singles earning less than $19, 948 are eligible. Assistance can take the form of direct payment to utilities, help with reconnecting heat and electricity, and emergency repair of malfunctioning heating systems.
AARP advocated for additional federal funding for this program, and now the state will be able to serve even more families than last year. Last year, a total of 117,500 families were served. So far, the Minnesota's heating assistance program has served 115,000 households—and funding is available to serve at least 147,000 households. The Minnesota Department of Commerce offers applications and information about how to apply.
State law also requires local utility companies to offer a program that prohibits a resident's heat from being shut off from mid-October to mid-April in cases where the heating bill is unaffordable. Contact your utility company right away if you are having problems.
There are a number of things you can do to help save on energy bills. Turning down the temperature a few degrees while you are home and to 55 or 60 degrees while you are away, sealing attic bypasses, and weather stripping doors and windows can make a big difference.
For an application and more information about Minnesota's energy assistance programs, call these numbers:
In the metro area, call 651-296-5175
Outside of the metro area, call 1-800-657-3710
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Other Resources
- Minnesota Department of Commerce
Offers applications and information about how to apply for heating assistance
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