FROM THE OFFICE OF STATE SENATOR LINDA BERGLIN

Families having difficulty paying their heating bills need to take immediate action. As the weather turns colder, Sen. Linda Berglin (DFL-Minneapolis) urges families to start making preparations for climbing heating bills.  There are several options available to help pay heating bills this winter, such as Minnesota’s Cold Weather Rule,Heating Assistance and Weatherization programs. 

It is important, though, that families begin putting these measures in place now. “I have heard that heating bills may rise as much as 10-15 percent this winter,” commented Sen. Berglin.  “With such tough economic times facing us, many families are concerned about paying these bills. The state and federal government have protections in place that help ensure no Minnesota family is forced to go cold this winter,” said Sen. Berglin.

Minnesota’s Cold Weather Rule prevents utility companies from disconnecting the heat during the cold-weather months (October-April), but only if a payment plan is set up in advance and payments are made. Monthly payments cannot exceed 10 percent of household income and are established through negotiations between the utility company and the customer.  If utilities are shut off and a customer establishes a payment plan, the Cold Weather Rule requires service to be reconnected.

“It’s important that people realize that utility companies do have the right to shut off utilities if a payment plan isn’t established, even in the cold weather months,” Sen. Berglin said. “Minnesota’s Cold Weather Rule allows families the flexibility to negotiate payments to their utility company, but does not exempt them from making the required payments.”

Families looking for heating assistance can also apply to the Community Action of Minneapolis. Minnesota receives over $140 million from the federal government through the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP).  Funds are available on a first-come-first-served basis for low-income families (less than $40,738 for a family of four).  Assistance averages $500 per family, depending on a household’s size, income, fuel type and energy usage. 

The Community Action of Minneapolis (http://www.campls.org/energy.html) can be reached a: 612-335-5837.

“Nearly twice as much money is available for heating assistance this year than in the past.” said Sen. Berglin. “Unfortunately these funds will still only cover half the eligible families, so it is essential that people apply early.”

Energy conservation projects are also a good way to decrease heating bills. Many utility companies (and the Community Action Agency of Minneapolis) do offer Weatherization Assistance funds. Interested families should also contact their utility company to learn what services they provide.

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For more information, contact Sen. Berglin’s office at lindab@sen.mn