Minnesotans encouraged to apply for energy assistance before cold weather rule ends

(ABC 6 News) – The Minnesota Public Utilities Commission and the Minnesota Department of Commerce are urging income-eligible Minnesotans to apply for Minnesota’s Energy Assistance program. Specifically, before cold weather rule protections end this week.

Since October 2021, the program has already paid more than $131 million to more than 103,800 Minnesota households. Michael Schmitz, the director of the Minnesota Energy Assistance program talked about how this program helps people to pay their utility bills. As well as past-due water and sewer bills.

Households have until May 31, 2022, to apply. If you haven’t already requested protection under the cold weather rule, you can get help by contacting your utility company or contacting the PUC’s consumer affairs office at 651-296-0406. You can also email them at puc@state.mn.us.