[Last updated: 12/16/2025]
Low-Income Energy Programs
Federal | State | Utility | Charitable
Federal
LIHEAP Contact
Public Inquiries: 1-800-657-3710
Website
Application Portal
Home · Energy Assistance Program
LIHEAP Administering Agency Contacts
Service Provider list
Weatherization Assistance Program
Local Administering Agency Contacts
Website
LIHEAP FY 2026 Funding
$112,741,637
*including additional $1,804,075 from Infrastructure and Jobs Act (IIJA), (Pub. L. 117-58)
LIHEAP Income Eligibility Level
50% State Median Income
Weatherization: 200% Federal Poverty Guidelines for households with 7 or more members.
LIHEAP FY 2026 Benefit
Heating: $200 minimum, $1,400 maximum
Crisis: $600
LIHEAP Households Served in FY 2024
Heating: 130,023
Winter Crisis: 44,937
Weatherization: 2,346
LIHEAP Program Dates
Heating: October 1 - May 31
Crisis: October 1 - July 1
Weatherization: year-round
State
The Minnesota Department of Human Services provides funds for emergency crisis assistance to households who would otherwise be without heat.
Utility
Low-Income Rate Assistance
As a result of legislation passed in 1994, Minnesota requires that electric companies serving over 200,000 residential customers provide a 50 percent discount for low-income customers on the first 300 kilowatt hours consumed each month. The provision applies only to the state's largest utility, Xcel Energy. The average benefit is $108 per household. Legislation passed in 2007 requires all natural investor-owned gas utilities to provide a Gas Affordability Program which reduces natural gas utility payments from participants to no more than 6 percent of their income. Participants may also receive credits on their monthly natural gas bill. Receipt of LIHEAP is required.
Minnesota Energy Resources
Gas Affordability Program
Qualified customers can receive assistance paying their monthly natural gas utility bills through a discount based on a percent of household income and arrears forgiveness. The program is available to customers who have been qualified and receive assistance from LIHEAP. In order to be enrolled, customers must agree to be placed on a levelized payment plan and make the required payment every month to stay enrolled. Enrollment is offered on a first-come first-served basis until the state-set $1 million cap is reached.
Minnesota Power
Customer Affordability of Residential Electricity (CARE)
CARE offers LIHEAP-qualified homes a discount on monthly electric bills. Once qualified for LIHEAP, customers of Minnesota Power must complete the CARE program application.
1-800-228-4966
Xcel Energy
Power On and Gas Affordability Program
Energy CENTS Coalition offers low-income households in Minnesota the opportunity to receive a discount on a portion of their monthly electric bill (through the POWER on program) and monthly gas bill (through the Gas Affordability program). To qualify for these programs you must first apply and be approved for energy assistance each heating season.
To apply for Energy Assistance please visit Minnesota Commerce: Assistance Programs or call 1-800-657-3710 to locate the local agency serving your county.
Please do not contact the Energy CENTS coalition to apply for the discount programs until you have received an award letter from Energy Assistance.
For more information on the Energy CENTS coalition, please visit www.energycents.org or call 651-774-9010 or 888-774-9070.
Low-Income Energy Efficiency
Energy Conservation Improvement
Required by legislature of regulated utilities. A percent of a utility’s gross operating revenues from service is provided to the state.
Otter Tail Power Company
House Therapy Program
Program for customers with high bill concerns and high-energy use. Participants receive an energy analysis and, as warranted, installation of energy-saving insulation and weather-stripping. In some instances water heaters, refrigerators, and freezers may be replaced. To apply or for more information, contact the community action agency in your area.
Emergency Charitable Assistance
Please note these charitable funds are last resort emergency funds with limited resources and limited times of operation.
Reach Out for Warmth (ROFW)
Established in 1992 by the Minnesota State Legislature, the Department of Economic Security's Energy Program Unit administers this year-round emergency fuel fund through 40 local energy assistance agencies. ROFW agencies provide people in need with emergency energy assistance and furnace repair. The program is funded from corporate and individual donations.
1-800-657-3710
HeatShare
A "last resort" program funded through customer contributions from Minnesota utilities and administered by The Salvation Army. Provides money to help pay natural gas, oil, propane, wood, and electricity bills, and to help with emergency furnace repairs. The HeatShare program can pay your utility bill once you have a shut-off notice in hand.
1-800-842-7279
Agralite Electric Cooperative
Operation Round Up
Customer donations provide funds for individuals and organizations. Grants can be made to individuals who are experiencing medical or other emergencies.
Requests should be made to a board member or to Agralite Electric Cooperative.
320-843-4150 or 1-800-950-8375
Alliant Energy
Hometown Care Energy Fund
Funds collected for the Hometown Care Energy Fund are paid to community-based non-profit organizations for distribution to customers in need. Eligibility includes households that meet income guidelines established by LIHEAP, customers over age 60 and on a fixed income with no alternative source of funds, customers who are permanently or temporarily disabled, or medically disabled, and unable to be economically self-sufficient and special hardship cases not limited to income, age or eligibility. Customer wishing to learn more about energy assistance should contact their local agency at 1-866-432-8947.
www.alliantenergy.com/
Benco Electric Cooperative
Operation Round Up
Customer donations provide funds for individuals and organizations. Applications are designated for either an individual or an organization in need and are available on the website.
Kandiyohi Power Cooperative
Operation Roundup
Customer donations assist households facing a crisis. Applications are reviewed by an independent board. Awards address needs such as food, clothing, shelter, health care and other community services.
1-800-551-4951
