ST. PAUL – As a stretch of bitter-cold temperatures hits the region, Rep. Paul Anderson, R-Starbuck, is reminding residents that heating assistance is available to those who are struggling to pay their bills.
“We have been experiencing our harshest temperatures of the winter and can expect higher utilities to follow,” Anderson said. “This added cost may put many people who already were struggling to pay their bills in an even tougher spot. I urge those who may need help to check out what assistance may be available to them to manage heating costs. This could be especially beneficial to those who have been out of work or are clocking fewer hours amid restrictions our state has been under in recent months.”
The state’s Low Income Energy Assistance Program, Anderson said, serves both renters and homeowners, providing financial assistance to pay past due energy bills to avoid disconnection, to purchase emergency full, or to repair or replace a homeowner’s malfunctioning furnace.
Eligibility guidelines apply and are based on the household’s past three months of income. The EAP is federally funded through the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
The application period is open until May 31 and you can visit www.mn.gov/commerce/eap.jsp to determine eligibility or to learn more about the EAP.
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