Utility Affordability Programs
Each utility’s affordability program is different. To qualify, a household must typically be approved for or have received Energy Assistance, though some programs allow customers to self-declare their income eligibility.
Customers currently enrolled in an affordability program will be able to remain on that program as long as their Energy Assistance application is formally approved by the utility’s re-enrollment date. Customers should contact their utility or affordability program administrator with any questions.
Electricity Service
PowerOn for Electric Customers: If you are an Xcel Energy electric customer and receive Energy Assistance, you are eligible for the PowerOn program. The program offers affordable monthly payments as a percentage of your household income, and potential past due bill forgiveness. To enroll in PowerOn, complete an application with Energy CENTS Coalition.
Senior Discount for Electric Customers: If you are 62 years or older and/or disabled, and you receive Energy Assistance, you’re eligible for a $15/month discount on your electric bill. You will be enrolled in this program automatically upon receiving Energy Assistance. This program is only available for Xcel customers who receive electric service. More information here.
Low Usage Affordability Credit (LUAC): Xcel electric customers that receive Energy Assistance and use an average of 300 kilowatt hours (kWh) of electricity or less each month will be automatically enrolled in LUAC. The program provides households with a 35 percent discount on the energy charge portion of their monthly bill.
If you did not receive Energy Assistance during the past heating season, you can still participate in the program if your electricity usage falls below 300 kWh and you self-declare income eligibility. Contact Xcel for more information if you believe you qualify.
Medical Affordability Program (MAP): Xcel electric customers with chronic or severe medical conditions can receive assistance with their energy bills on a first-come, first-served basis. Although enrollment in Energy Assistance is not required, the income limits of the program are typically the same. If funds are still available, eligibility may open up for customers above the income limit.
Medical Protections: Minnesota law requires utilities to reconnect or continue service to a customer if they have a medical condition that requires electricity. While this program does not provide assistance with paying utility bills, it protects medically vulnerable customers from disconnection and/or provides them with advanced notice of planned power outages. In order to receive these protections, you must submit a form signed by a medical professional.
Gas Service
Gas Affordability Program: If you are an Xcel Energy gas customer and receive Energy Assistance, you are eligible for the Gas Affordability Program. The program offers affordable monthly payments as a percentage of your household income, and potential past-due bill forgiveness. To enroll in the Gas Affordability Program, complete this application with the Energy CENTS Coalition
Gas Affordability Program: If you are a CenterPoint customer and receive Energy Assistance, you are eligible for the Gas Affordability Program. The program offers affordable monthly payments as a percentage of your household income, and potential past-due bill forgiveness. Apply here.
Income- and Usage-Qualified Discount Rate: Qualified customers receive a discounted rate on their first 600 kWh of usage each month. To qualify, customers must (1) use an average of 1,000 kWh or less per month and (2) be approved for or self-declare as income-eligible for Energy Assistance. Apply here.
CARE Program: Minnesota Power customers who are approved for Energy Assistance or who self-declare as income-eligible qualify for the CARE program.
Currently, qualified customers can receive a $20 discount each month (Flat Discount). Customers who qualify for Energy Assistance or the Income- and Usage-Qualified Discount will be automatically enrolled if they are 62 years of age or older or have a member of the household with a disability.
The CARE Program also offers an Affordability Discount, which caps bills at 3% of income. Although this discount offering currently has a waiting list, efforts are underway to reopen the program to new participants.
Find more information and apply here.
Medical Protections: Minnesota law requires utilities to reconnect or continue service to a customer if they have a medical condition that requires electricity. While this program does not provide assistance with paying utility bills, it protects medically vulnerable customers from disconnection and/or provides them with advanced notice of planned power outages. In order to receive these protections, you must submit a letter signed by a medical professional.
Uplift Program: Otter Tail customers who are eligible for Energy Assistance are also eligible for a credit of $15, $25, or $40 on their electric bills. The amount of the credit varies based on household energy usage. Apply online or by printing this pdf.
Medical Protections: Minnesota law requires utilities to reconnect or continue service to a customer if they have a medical condition that requires electricity. While this program does not provide assistance with paying utility bills, it protects medically vulnerable customers from disconnection and/or provides them with advanced notice of planned power outages. In order to receive these protections, you must submit a form signed by a medical professional. Contact Otter Tail directly for more information.
Gas Affordability Program: If you are a MERC customer and receive Energy Assistance, you are eligible for the Gas Affordability Program. The program offers affordable monthly payments as a percentage of your household income, and potential past-due bill forgiveness. Apply here.
Gas Affordability Program: If you are a Great Plains Natural Gas customer and receive Energy Assistance, you are eligible for the Gas Affordability Program. The program offers affordable monthly payments as a percentage of your household income, and potential past-due bill forgiveness. Apply here.
Gas Affordability Program: If you are a Greater Minnesota Gas customer and receive Energy Assistance, you are eligible for the Gas Affordability Program. The program offers affordable monthly payments as a percentage of your household income, and potential past-due bill forgiveness. To enroll in the Gas Affordability Program, complete this application with Energy Cents Coalition.