Minnesota has $111M for heating help as applications decline; Brainerd woman still waiting for answers

As colder temperatures settle into Minnesota, state officials say $111 million is available to help income-qualified households pay heating bills and keep their homes warm this winter.

But while funding remains available, state data shows fewer households have been receiving assistance in recent years, a trend officials say they are still trying to understand.

The Minnesota Department of Commerce recently received $111 million in federal funding for the state’s Energy Assistance Program, which helps eligible households pay heating and electric bills, avoid utility shutoffs and, in some cases, repair or replace failing heating systems.

“With those funds, we can help income-qualified Minnesotans keep their homes safe and warm,” said Michael...