Paying for energy can get very expensive, especially during a Minnesota winter. Thankfully, Minnesota has two energy assistance programs that can help you pay for utilities and even save money on energy in the long term. Energy Assistance Program The first program is called the Energy Assistance Program, funded by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. This program can help pay towards heat, electric, and past due water costs. In other words, Minnesota's Energy Assistance Program helps renters and homeowners keep homes heated, lights on and water running. This program is free to all eligible households and is managed by Energy Assistance Partners. You can find your Energy Assistance Partner (EAP) by going to the mn.gov website. The Energy Assistance application is currently open and your local EAP can help you fill out the application. Eligibility for this program is based on the three most recent months of income and you can check the eligibility requirements here. There are many benefits of the Energy Assistance Program. The average grant is just over $500, but households can get up to $2,000 to help pay for heat and electric bills. Grants are paid directly to your account at your energy company. The program will work for you no matter what type of energy you use, whether it's electricity, natural gas, propane, heating oil or biofuel. Unlike some energy assistance programs, Minnesota's program is open to people who rent or own their homes. The Energy Assistance Program can also arrange emergency fuel delivery and repair/replace homeowners' broken heating systems. Weatherization Assistance Program The second program is the Weatherization Assistance Program, which works closely with the Energy Assistance Program to help permanently reduce energy bills for low-income Minnesotans. If you are income-eligible homeowner or renter, consider taking advantage of the Weatherization Assistance Program, funded by the U.S. Department of Energy. This program provides free home energy upgrades to keep homes healthy and safe while also saving energy. Some of the potential energy upgrades include air leakage reduction, insulation, furnace repair or replacement and more. You can check if you are eligible online. If you are eligible and decide you'd like to apply, you will need to complete a joint application for Energy Assistance and Weatherization Assistance and mail it to your local service provider. You can find the application and your provider on the Minnesota government website. Remember to apply early as funds may run out. Mid Minnesota Federal Credit Union (MMFCU) is here to help our members find the resources they need to improve their financial wellbeing. Go to mmfcu.org to learn more about how MMFCU can help you improve your financial health and achieve your goals. To learn some tips and tricks for saving money on energy, check out our energy to-do list here.