Your heating bills are likely lower than usual due to our warmer than average winter so far this year. But that doesn't mean the need for energy assistance for low income households in the state has gone away.
"But really, if you're like me, you likely still had your furnace on since maybe the end of October and on," says Michael Schmitz, Director of the Energy Assistance Program at the Minnesota Department of Commerce. "And for low income households and a lot of people in the state, a lot of those costs are maybe too much."
Schmitz says energy costs have also been rising over the past few years, further impacting people who struggle with their bills.
So far, applications for energy assistance in the state are up by about 10,000 over the last year. Schmitz says that's due to a few different reasons.
"Energy costs are on the rise, they've gone up a bit each of the last couple of years," Schmitz explains. "And so I think that is having an impact on a lot of folks who can't afford energy and other bills like rent or food or transportation."
Schmitz says roughly 25 percent of the state's residents qualify for some level of federal energy assistance.
Both renters and homeowners can qualify for assistance. Eligibility is based on income and household size. For example, a family of four could earn up to $62,822 annually and qualify to receive financial assistance with energy bills.
You can learn more about the state's assistance program and apply here.