Here in Minnesota, many of our community members have made the difficult decision to stay home and lose income over the past few months.
This has created an acute need for support with household expenses. In addition to rent and groceries, gas and electric bills are an increasing need for our neighbors and are putting unsustainable pressure on existing mutual aid networks.
With our partners at the Energy CENTS Coalition, CUB has launched the Lights On, Homes Warm fund to provide direct relief to Minnesotans behind on their energy bills.
Support our neighbors
As we’ve seen the past few months, Minnesotans take care of each other. But the work to rebuild will take time, effort, and money. Donate to the Lights On, Homes Warm fund to help our neighbors.
Click here to donate to the fund. Donations are collected by the Energy CENTS Coalition, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.
To discuss a corporate contribution, employer match, or other larger donation, please contact George Shardlow, executive director of the Energy CENTS Coalition, at george@energycents.org.
Click here for social media graphics and handouts for distribution. Please contact CUB’s Outreach & Communications Manager James Birr with communications questions.
Request assistance
To apply for support, contact CUB at 651-300-4701, and press 9 to reach our Outreach Team. CUB staff will discuss multiple program options and protections available. If you are in need of interpretation service, please share your language needs at the beginning of the call.
Funds are available as a flat $250 for electric service and a flat $250 for natural gas service. Funds are sent directly to the utility. Funds are not available for other utilities such as water or sewage.
When submitting an application for support, community members should have the below information accessible. CUB staff will fill out the application over the phone:
- Name of account holder as it appears on the bill(s)
- Name of utility provider(s)
- Utility account number(s)
- Home address
- Contact information (optional)
Though Cold Weather Rule protections exist, it is still possible to have utility service disconnected in the winter months. Our goal is to not only provide direct support, but to also connect Minnesotans to the programs they’re eligible for and the protections they are entitled to.