In response to the alarming spike in propane costs in our region, the Minnesota Department of Commerce recently announced additional financial assistance for eligible Minnesotans currently heating their homes with propane and heating oil.

Financial assistance is available through Minnesota’s Energy Assistance Program (EAP), with additional payments available as early as next week. Households with an income less than 50 percent of the state median income ($43,642 for a family of four) may qualify.

There’s also newly-created hotline operating Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. for Minnesotans who have questions about the current propane situation or who are in danger of running out of heating fuel. You can reach the hotline by calling 1-800-657-3504.

I strongly urge you to share this information with anyone you know who is impacted by the propane shortage. Up to $500 in additional funds for eligible individuals and families are at stake.

EAP pays utility companies directly on behalf of eligible households. Qualifying families must apply for assistance at the local service provider in their area.

To find a list of local service providers and information on applying for the Minnesota Energy Assistance Program, you can call 1-800-657-3710 or 651-539-1882 or visit the Energy Assistance section of the Division of Energy Resources website: www.mn.gov/commerce/energy/consumers/Heating-Assistance/

Other forms of assistance may be available through county social service programs, community-based organizations, and nonprofit agencies. See the Stay Warm Minnesota webpage for a list of resources: www.mn.gov/commerce/energy/topics/resources/Stay-Warm-Minnesota/

This is a situation that concerns me greatly, so please do not hesitate to also get in touch with me and my legislative staff directly by calling (651) 296-4193 or emailing me at rep.jeanne.poppe@house.mn.