After shutdown delay, MN's energy assistance funds are released

ST. PAUL — A total of $112.7 million in federal funds were released to the Minnesota Department of Commerce’s Energy Assistance Program, nationally known as LIHEAP.

These funds — which were delayed for one month due to the recent federal government shutdown — are being distributed to help income-eligible Minnesota homeowners and renters heat their homes this winter.

Despite the uncertainty created by the federal government, commerce staff worked to ensure the funds could be delivered to Minnesotans as soon as they became available, according to a news release.

“Now that federal funding has been released, we're moving quickly to get energy assistance out the door,” stated Commerce Commissioner Grace Arnold in the release. “In our coldest months, higher utility bills can put real pressure on Minnesotans’ budgets.

"Our Energy Assistance Program plays a crucial role in easing that burden on household budgets and ensuring Minnesotans have the support they need to get through the winter. These funds will keep families safe and warm.”

The commerce department stated that last year, funding prevented utility shutoffs for nearly 40,000 households, provided emergency heating fuel deliveries to almost 8,000 homes and provided emergency furnace repairs to 4,600 homes. About two-thirds of the benefits go to homes located outside the Twin Cities metro area.

About 40% of households receiving energy assistance in Minnesota had a person over age 60 or had a household member with a disability, and about 1 in 6 households had children younger than 6 years old living in the home.

In 2024, the energy assistance program awarded 125,600 households with energy assistance, providing over $95 million to households, with an average household benefit of $736, the commerce department reported.

By applying for Minnesota’s Energy Assistance Program, homeowners and renters may also qualify for Minnesota’s Weatherization Assistance Program and receive free home improvements to help save energy and ensure a warm, healthy, safe home.