Minnesota Department of Commerce
10/29/2025 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 10/28/2025 19:16
Federal Shutdown Delays Heating Assistance for Minnesotans as Winter Approaches
SAINT PAUL, MN: As colder weather sets in, the Minnesota Department of Commerce is urging eligible households to apply now for energy assistance through Minnesota's federally funded Energy Assistance Program (EAP) - known nationally as LIHEAP - even though federal funding is on hold due to the ongoing government shutdown.
Under normal circumstances, Minnesota would receive its annual LIHEAP funding - approximately 90% of the total federal award - by early November, allowing payments to begin before peak heating season. However, the state has not yet received new funds for the 2025 - 2026 winter season, and payments for heating bills, emergency fuel deliveries, and furnace repairs will be delayed.
"We are deeply concerned about the potential impact of this funding gap on Minnesota households," said Commerce Commissioner Grace Arnold. "Every winter, LIHEAP helps keep thousands of families safe and warm. Without this assistance, our most vulnerable residents - including seniors, young children, and people with disabilities - could face serious risks."
"We are working with utility companies to protect Minnesotans from LIHEAP payment delays," said Lissa Pawlisch, an assistant commissioner with the Minnesota Department of Commerce's Division of Energy Resources. "For example, Xcel Energy and Minnesota Power have committed to keep LIHEAP-eligible customers connected who might otherwise have been disconnected for non-payment.
Despite the hold on funding, the program continues to accept and process applications, with over 75,000 households having already applied. The Department strongly encourages all income-eligible Minnesotans - including renters and homeowners - to apply now, so they're ready to receive assistance as soon as federal funds are made available.
What LIHEAP Provides
Qualified households may receive:
Bill payment assistance (average benefit: $550)
Crisis assistance, including disconnection prevention or propane refills
Repair or replacement of unsafe or non-functioning heating systems
Last year, the program supported over 125,000 households across Minnesota, with more than two-thirds of assistance going to residents in Greater Minnesota. Nearly 75% of households served included seniors, people with disabilities, or children under six.
Cold Weather Rule Protections
While Minnesota's Cold Weather Rule offers some protection from utility shutoffs, it requires households to set up and follow a payment plan-which can be difficult or impossible without energy assistance.
"We're ready to move quickly once federal funds come through," added Commissioner Arnold. "In the meantime, the most important step Minnesotans can take is to apply now, so they're in the system and ready to receive help the moment it's available."
How to Apply
Visit our website to:
Learn more about the Energy Assistance Program
Check household eligibility based on income and size
Apply online or download a paper application
The application deadline for the 2025-2026 heating season is May 31, 2026.
Minnesota Department of Commerce published this content on October 29, 2025, and is solely responsible for the information contained herein. Distributed via Public Technologies (PUBT), unedited and unaltered, on October 29, 2025 at 01:16 UTC. If you believe the information included in the content is inaccurate or outdated and requires editing or removal, please contact us at [email protected]