Contact Minnesota Energy Resources at 800-889-9508 for more information or to discuss eligibility for enrollment.
The Minnesota Cold Weather Rule protects customers from unlawful shut offs during the cold weather months, October 15 - April 15. Customers must be willing to enter into payment arrangements and continue making monthly payments by the due date, with Minnesota Energy Resources, to maintain gas service during this protection period.
Customers must notify Minnesota Energy Resources of their intent to enter into the terms of the program by completing the Application for Protection from Shut-off and return it to Minnesota Energy Resources within 10 days of receipt of their disconnection of service notice. Proof of income must also be verified at a local office.
Customers must meet the following income guidelines set forth by the Minnesota Public Utility Commission:
| Household Size | Annual | Monthly Gross Income |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $20,122.44 | $1,676.87 |
| 2 | $26,313.96 | $2,192.83 |
| 3 | $32,505.48 | $2,708.79 |
| 4 | $38,697.00 | $3,224.75 |
| 5 | $44,888.52 | $3,740.71 |
| 6 | $51,080.04 | $4,256.67 |
| 7 | $52,240.95 | $4,353.41 |
| 8 | $53,401.86 | $4,450.16 |
| 9 | $54,562.77 | $4,546.90 |
| 10 | $55,723.68 | $4,643.64 |
*Add $1,160.91 to Annual Gross Income for each additional household member.
Contact: Local County Energy Assistance Program Agency
The Energy Assistance Program (EAP) helps pay home heating costs. Households with the lowest incomes and highest energy costs receive the greatest benefit.
Services include:
The Minnesota Energy Assistance Program uses the past 3 months of household income prior to signing the application and/or last year's federal tax forms for self-employment income for making eligibility determinations.
| Household Size | Annual | Monthly Gross Income |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $20,122.44 | $1,676.87 |
| 2 | $26,313.96 | $2,192.83 |
| 3 | $32,505.48 | $2,708.79 |
| 4 | $38,697.00 | $3,224.75 |
| 5 | $44,888.52 | $3,740.71 |
| 6 | $51,080.04 | $4,256.67 |
| 7 | $52,240.95 | $4,353.41 |
| 8 | $53,401.86 | $4.450.16 |
| 9 | $54,562.77 | $4,546.90 |
| 10 | $55,723.68 | $4,643.64 |
*Add $1,160.91 to Annual Gross Income for each additional household member. Based on 50% of State Median Income or 110% of Poverty, whichever is greater.
Contact: Local Community Action Program Agency
If you are a low-income customer using natural gas as a primary fuel for space heating you may be eligible for funds dedicated to weatherizing low-income customers' homes. Minnesota Energy Resources provides funding to relevant Community Action Program (CAP) agencies for weatherization recruitment and installation. There is no cost to the customer. The measures installed at each home are left up to the discretion of the CAP agencies based on the best fit for each particular home. The following measures are covered by Minnesota Energy Resources funding:
Eligible customers must also meet poverty guidelines of 185% determined by the non-profit organization in compliance with federal regulations. To enroll in the program, please contact the community action agency in your area.
| Agency | Phone Number |
|---|---|
| Arrowhead Economic Opportunity Council (Virginia) | 800-662-5711 |
| Bi-County Community Action (Bemidji) | 800-332-7161 |
| Dakota County Community Development Agency | 651-675-4400 |
| Inter-County Community Action Council (Oklee) | 218-796-5144 |
| Kooch-Itasca Action Council (Grand Rapids) | 800-422-0312 |
| Lakes & Pines CAA (Mora) | 800-832-6082 |
| Mahube Community Council (Detroit Lakes) | 218-847-1385 |
| Minnesota Valley Action Council (Mankato) | 800-767-7139 |
| Northwest Community Action Agency (Badger) | 800-568-5319 |
| Ottertail-Wadena CAC (New York Mills) | 800-450-2900 |
| Prairie Five Community Action Council (Montevideo) | 800-292-5437 |
| SEMCAC (Rushford) | 800-944-3281 |
| Scott Carver Dakota CAP (Shakopee) | 952-496-2125 |
| Southwestern Minnesota Opportunity Council (Worthington) | 800-658-2444 |
| Three Rivers Community Action (Zumbrota) | 800-277-8418 |
| Tri-Valley Opportunity Council (Crookston) | 218-281-5832 |
| Western Community Action (Marshall) |
Contact: U.S. Treasury Department, IRS
The Earned Income Credit (EIC) is a special tax benefit only for people who work full- or part-time. Those who qualify will owe less in taxes and may get a refund. Even a person who does not generally owe income tax can get the EIC but has to file a tax return to do so. If you are married, you must file jointly to qualify. To file, fill out Form 1040 or 1040A, and attach the EIC.
If you were raising a child in your home in 2005, you may also be able to boost each paycheck during the year with Advance EIC. Get Form W-5 from your employer, or call 800-TAX-FORM (800-829-3676).
You can also visit the Earned Income Tax Credit Web site.
Beginning April 1, 2008, qualified Minnesota Energy Resources customers can receive assistance with their gas utility bills, through the Minnesota Energy Resources Gas Affordability Program.
This state mandated program will be administered by The Salvation Army. It is designed to offer qualifying Minnesota Energy Resources customers assistance in paying their monthly natural gas utility bills. Assistance will be provided through two distinct components:
The Minnesota Energy Resources Gas Affordability Program is available to residential customers who have been qualified and receive assistance from the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) during the federal fiscal year (Program Year). In order to be enrolled, customers must agree to be placed on a levelized payment plan and make the required payment every month to stay enrolled.
Enrollment is offered on a first-come first-served basis until the state-set $1 million cap is reached. To apply, complete the Gas Affordability Program Application and mail your completed application to: The Salvation Army, 2445 Prior Ave., Roseville, MN 55113. To see if you qualify or to find more information on the Gas Affordability Program call The Salvation Army at 888-733-8033 .
Contact: Local Salvation Army
HeatShare provides energy assistance to low-income families and individuals.
For more information, visit the HeatShare Web site.
Minnesota Energy Resources gives customers an opportunity to assist elderly or disadvantaged individuals and low-income families with their energy needs. Minnesota Energy Resources matches all customer contributions, which are then distributed through the Minnesota HeatShare Program. Please consider helping others in your community by checking the appropriate box on your monthly bill.
Contact: Minnesota Energy Resources at 800-889-9508 for more information and to discuss eligibility.
Customers can qualify for reconnection or continuance of gas service if the disconnection of service will impair or threaten the health or safety of a resident of the customer's household. Customers may quality for up to 3 medical emergency holds within a 12 month period. Customers must verify medical needs by providing certification from their physician. Customers must also enter into a reasonable payment arrangement to meet eligibility.
Contact: Minnesota Energy Resources at 800-889-9508
If you or your spouse is the Minnesota Energy Resources customer of record and either of you is called to full-time active military service by the President of the United States or the Governor of Minnesota, you may apply for shut-off protection from your electric or natural gas service for up to 90 days. At the end of the active duty period, you must notify Minnesota Energy Resources of your status and make payment arrangements.
Minnesota Energy Resources wants to help you manage your monthly energy bill. If you are experiencing payment difficulties, please call us at 800-889-9508. If you are interested in learning more about your energy use and managing your costs, visit Energy-Saving Tools & Ideas and All About My Bill.
