Expand Energy Assistance
Update May 18, 2026: Unfortunately, the legislature did not appropriate funding for Energy Assistance during its 2026 session. We greatly appreciate legislators' efforts and focus on ensuring that all Minnesotans can afford to power, heat, and cool their homes. CUB and the dozens of companies and organizations supporting this initiative will be back another year to try again.
Meanwhile, here are some resources for individuals in need of assistance:
Federal Energy Assistance is available until May 31.
The legislature did provide $40 million in funding for the Family Homelessness Prevention and Assistance Program, which can provide grants for utility assistance to qualified households. Your local Community Action agency, county, or Tribal government may also have assistance funds available.
Anyone in Minnesota who has experienced a financial hardship is welcome to request utility bill support through CUB's Lights On, Homes Warm fund.
Please don't hesitate to contact CUB if you have any questions or concerns about your utility bill.
Expand the Energy Assistance Program
Email Legislators
Here in Minnesota, we know the cost of living is going up, and that includes our energy bills. Families, seniors, renters, and rural communities are struggling just to keep up with the cost of keeping their lights on.
What can be done? Expand the Energy Assistance Program. This program already helps tens of thousands of Minnesotans across the state, especially in rural areas. But right now, there’s not enough funding for everyone who needs it.
Email legislators today and tell them: Pass the Energy Assistance Expansion bill.
Email Legislators
Energy Affordability by the Numbers
The state of energy affordability in Minnesota
In Minnesota, our average electric rates and average monthly bills are lower than most of the country, and both are rising more slowly than the national average, too. However, that good news hides a deeper problem: data reported by our state’s utilities show that home energy service is unaffordable for a significant portion of Minnesotans.