With winter on the horizon, about $111 million in federal funding is available to help Minnesota households cover heating bills and keep their homes warm through the coming cold months.
The Minnesota Department of Commerce announced Monday that applications are open for the state’s Energy Assistance Program (EAP). Administered in partnership with 28 local service providers statewide, the program offers up to $1,400 in free assistance per household, along with additional emergency support for crisis situations.
“Minnesota winters are cold, and for families already stretching their budgets to cover groceries, housing, and other necessities, heating bills can add another layer of stress,” said Commerce Temporary Commissioner Julia Dreier. “No one should have to choose between keeping their home warm and paying for other essentials. This assistance can make a real difference, and we want Minnesotans to know that help is available.”
The program, funded through the federal Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), is open to both homeowners and renters. Eligibility depends on household income and size. State officials are particularly encouraging families with children, seniors, individuals with disabilities, and veterans to apply early before peak heating costs arrive.
Beyond helping with standard electric and gas bills, the EAP helps prevent service disconnections, covers delivered heating fuels, funds furnace repairs or replacements, and provides energy-efficiency education. Applying for energy assistance also automatically screens households for the state’s Weatherization Assistance Program, which supplies free home improvements to boost energy efficiency and safety.
The need for heating assistance remains widespread across the state, particularly in Greater Minnesota, where the program distributes roughly two-thirds of all benefits. In 2026, the program delivered over $92 million to nearly 118,000 Minnesota households, with an average benefit of $556. More than 62 percent of participating households included a senior age 60 or older or an individual with a disability, while about one in six included children under age six.
“Energy assistance is about more than helping people pay a bill,” said Commerce Assistant Commissioner Lissa Pawlisch. “It can mean keeping the heat on when a family is struggling, getting fuel delivered before a tank runs empty or repairing a furnace when it breaks down in the middle of winter.”
State officials also reminded residents of Minnesota’s Cold Weather Rule, which took effect Oct. 1 and protects electric and natural gas customers from winter shutoffs through April 30. Under an established payment plan, households earning at or below 50 percent of the state median income—approximately $38,500 for an individual or $74,000 for a family of four—can pay no more than 10 percent of their monthly income toward heating bills.
While the Cold Weather Rule does not apply to delivered fuels like propane or fuel oil, state law requires propane distributors offering budget payment plans to make them available to all customers, including energy assistance recipients.
Minnesotans can learn more or apply online at mn.gov/home or call 800-657-3710 (and press 1) to connect with their local service provider.
