Governor Tim Pawlenty announced today that Minnesota is receiving $69.7 million in federal funds to help low-income families in the state pay their heating bills this winter. The Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) funds are released now to ensure states have the resources available to support their energy assistance programs as the weather turns colder.

“No one should be cold this winter because they’re having a hard time making ends meet,” Governor Pawlenty said. “Our administration has been aggressive in seeking federal funds and providing state assistance to help Minnesotans make it through the winter. This money will help provide immediate home heating assistance for those in need and when temperatures turn colder.”

LIHEAP is federally funded through the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and administered by the Minnesota Department of Commerce through 38 local service providers around the state. The program helps low-income customers pay their heating bills through grant money paid directly to the utility company on behalf of the customer.

The average grant per household is about $500. Customers with less than 50 percent of the state median income ($39,414 for a family of four) may qualify. Households with seniors, disabled, and children are especially encouraged to apply.

"If you think you qualify and have not yet applied, do so today,” said John Harvanko, Energy Assistance Program director. “Funding is always limited and is administered on a first-come-first-serve basis.”

In 2004, the Department of Commerce instituted a web-based software program to administer the LIHEAP funds directly to the energy vendors. The new system allows the state to provide more direct assistance to homeowners with less administrative costs and allows the local energy assistance provider to spend more time serving their customers.

For more information on the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program, contact the Minnesota Department of Commerce Energy Info Center:
• 651-296-5175 or toll free in Minnesota 1-800-657-3710
• Email: energy.info@state.mn.us
• On the web: www.commerce.state.mn.us. Click on Energy Info Center