Winter Heating in Minnesota
Energy Bill Assistance Options in the Winter
Energy Assistance Program
The Energy Assistance Program (also known as EAP or LIHEAP) is a federally funded program that provides financial help to income-qualified households for covering natural gas and electric bills, as well as delivered fuels such as propane.
Energy Assistance can be used for any energy bills, not just for heating.
Applications typically open on October 1 and must be postmarked or received by or before May 31. Funding is on a first-come, first-served basis. Both homeowners and renters are eligible.
Find your local Energy Assistance provider by calling 1-800-657-3710 or apply online.
Income Guidelines
As of October 22, 2025, the government shutdown continues. Federal funds to help Minnesotans pay their winter energy bills won't be available till the shutdown is over.
The State of Minnesota is still accepting applications. If you're eligible, get your application in as soon as you can.
| 2025-2026 Income Guidelines | ||
|---|---|---|
| Household Size | 1 Month Max | Annual Income |
| 1 | $3,119 | $37,439 |
| 2 | $4,079 | $48,959 |
| 3 | $5,039 | $60,479 |
| 4 | $5,999 | $71,999 |
| 5 | $6,959 | $83,518 |
| 6 | $7,919 | $95,038 |
Utility-Specific Programs
Income-qualified households in many areas can receive discounts on their electric or gas service through their utility, and some utilities have programs to forgive a portion of past-due bills.
You must qualify for or receive Energy Assistance in order to participate in these programs. Each utility’s program is different, so contact your utility directly with any questions.
| CenterPoint Energy Gas Affordability Program | Minnesota Power CARE Program |
| Great Plains Natural Gas Gas Affordability Program | Otter Tail Power Uplift Program |
| Greater Minnesota Gas Gas Affordability Program | Xcel Energy - Electric Power On Minnesota Senior Discount Program |
| Minnesota Energy Resources Gas Affordability Program | Xcel Energy - Gas Gas Affordability Programs |
Community Resources
Don't forget about other local community organizations. Some have programs or funds to help community members in times of need, like when a power disconnection is imminent. Contact CUB for other ideas.
Salvation Army's HeatShare
Houses of worship
County assistance
Community social services
Student services
Social workers
Know Your Rights in the Winter
Minnesota ratepayers have rights set by state law. Learn more about your rights and obligations as an energy consumer.
Efficiency Tips
Short-term changes in how you use energy in your home can save you money on your bills quickly and possibly at no cost.
Seasonal Tips
- Adjust your thermostat. One of our top tips for energy consumers with a forced air furnace: set the temperature at 68 degrees when you are awake and turn it down (up to 10 degrees) while you are away or asleep. Be sure to never lower the temperature below 55 degrees to prevent frozen pipes.
- Use the sun. Open window treatments to let the sun in during the day to heat your home naturally. At night, close them to trap the heat inside.
- Cover up air leaks. Use plastic film on windows if they are drafty. Use door draft stoppers to keep cold air out – a rolled-up towel works.
- Cook and bake efficiently. Use lids on pots and pans to reduce cooking time. Bake multiple things at once. Use crockpots, toaster ovens, and microwaves to save energy.
- Celebrate the holidays with LED lights. If you decorate with lights, purchase LED holiday lights.
- Have your furnace/boiler serviced each year and change furnace filters regularly. This will ensure the unit is running safely and efficiently.
- Use space heaters safely and efficiently. Even just one space heater can use a ton of energy over the course of a month. Only have space heaters on when you are in the room and keep items around them at a safe distance.
- Bundle up. Warm clothes, blankets, and socks are key in the winter. Rugs are another great way to help your home feel warmer.
- Inspect and clean your fireplace. Make sure your fireplace is safe. Close fireplace dampers when you are not using them to prevent heat from escaping.
- Redirect ceiling fans. Switch the rotation of ceiling fans to clockwise and operate them at a slow rate to circulate warm air down from the ceiling.
Home Heating Tips
Furnace
- Have your furnace tuned up each year by a heating professional to make sure it is operating efficiently and safely.
- Change your furnace filters regularly to help maximize the life expectancy of the furnace (~15 to 20 years).
- Actively manage your thermostat, and reduce your thermostat up to 10 degrees when you are away or asleep.
Boiler - Radiator Heat
- Have your boiler systems inspected and tuned up each year to ensure it is operating safely and effectively. With good maintenance, boilers typically last between 20 to 30 years.
- Radiator systems take a longer time to heat and cool down than a forced air system; smaller thermostat adjustments overnight, rather than large adjustments, are most practical.
Air Source Heat Pump
- Get your unit tuned up once a year by a professional.
- Set it and forget it. Heat pumps work most efficiently when set at a constant temperature. Avoid frequently adjusting the temperature or turning off the unit.
- Understand the cold weather temperature limits of your heat pump. Ensure your secondary system is tuned up and ready.
- Work with your heating professional to set an appropriate switchover temperature for the secondary system that maximizes its efficiency.
Electric Resistance
- If possible, use a programmable thermostat to actively manage your room temperatures. Reduce the temperature up to 10 degrees when you are away from a particular room.