Minnesotans Could Get $500 Toward Their Energy Bills, But You Have to Act Now

If your bills have been stressing you out, there’s actually help available right now for Minnesotans that a lot of people don’t even realize exists.

As Minnesota’s Cold Weather Rule ends on April 30, Xcel Energy is encouraging customers to take advantage of the Energy Assistance Program before disconnections resume. But you need to move fast; the deadline to apply for this round of help is coming very soon.

READ MORE: Minnesota Residents Could Be Sitting On a $1,000+ Refund Right Now and Not Know It

“If customers experience challenges paying their bills, we have financial assistance options that can help meet their needs,” said Canda Henry, Xcel's vice president, customer care. “We know that economic challenges and unfortunate circumstances can be difficult for our customers, and we want to remind them that we are here to help.”

Get our free mobile app

What Is the Energy Assistance Program in Minnesota?

The Energy Assistance Program is a federally funded, state-administered program that helps qualifying households pay for electricity, heating, and fuel costs. It’s run by the Minnesota Department of Commerce, working with local service providers across the state.

The program is completely free to apply for and offers:

• An average benefit of $500–$550
• Up to $1,400 in total assistance, depending on household need
• Emergency heating support for things like broken furnaces or running out of fuel
• Multilingual information in Spanish, Hmong, and Somali

Who Qualifies for Minnesota Energy Assistance?

If you’re a renter or homeowner in Minnesota, you may qualify based on your household size and income. For example, a family of four making up to $68,845 per year could receive help.

Here’s what else to know:

• Benefits are sent directly to your utility company or fuel provider
• You can use assistance for electricity, natural gas, propane, heating oil, or even wood
• You don’t need to be disconnected yet to qualify; in fact, it’s better to apply early

How to Apply for Energy Bill Help in Minnesota

There are a few easy ways to apply before the May 31 deadline. You can apply online for energy assistance, or you can request an application by mail. You can also call Xcel Energy at 1-800-895-4999 to learn more about payment plans.

Just a heads-up: Xcel Energy says that because of high demand and funding delays, benefit payments may take a little longer to be processed, but applications are still being accepted.