Stay Warm In Minnesota

In Minnesota’s climate, everyone experiences higher utility bills in the winter, no matter how efficient their homes. The yearly uptick in energy costs can be a significant financial burden for many families.

Fortunately, Minnesota law requires utilities to offer assistance programs to help keep families warm no matter their financial situation. If you or someone you know has trouble paying their heating bills, please explore and take advantage of one of the following great programs so everyone can stay warm throughout the winter.

• The Cold Weather Rule protects residents from having their heat shut off due to a failure to pay a bill between October 1 and April 30. To sign up, contact your utility and establish a monthly payment plan.
• The Energy Assistance Program gives money to qualified customers to help pay their heating bill. This program is available to both renters and homeowners. Funding is limited — applicants should sign up the summer before assistance will be needed.
• The Weatherization Assistance Program helps homeowners make their houses more energy efficient, permanently reducing their energy bills. Weatherization project assistance can take a number of forms, from education on energy- and cost-saving products and behaviors to home audits to financial assistance for specific projects, like adding insulation or air sealing.
• Depending on your household size and income, you may be eligible for additional programs through your utility. Reach out to your utility directly for more information.
• CEE offers flexible financing to homeowners for energy efficiency and home improvement projects in Minnesota. As a nontraditional lender, CEE provides competitive rates, technical assistance, and a wide range of financing options that can be tailored to fit your budget.

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