Status of Minnesota Energy Assistance funding in question after federal program staff eliminated

CUB is dismayed by reports yesterday that the Trump administration has cut the entire federal staff responsible for overseeing the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP, or Energy Assistance) within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.  

Energy Assistance is a vital and extremely popular program. Even a delay in funding will mean that eligible Minnesotans risk utility shutoffs or being unable to refill empty propane or fuel oil tanks.

Minnesota is currently awaiting the final 10% of federal funding for the current program year, which was approved by Congress in its recent Continuing Resolution. If that funding is delayed, support to Minnesota households will be paused.  

For over 40 years, Energy Assistance has provided critical heating assistance to income qualified Minnesotans. Approximately 130,000 Minnesota households rely on Energy Assistance each season. About 75% of funds go to Minnesotans outside the 7-county metropolitan area, and a large portion of participating households include members who are seniors, children, or disabled. Program data can be found here.

Yesterday’s announcement comes as Minnesota consumers continue to deal with inflation and brace for the possibility of higher energy costs due to tariffs on Canadian imports. More than 91,000 Minnesota households had utilities shut off for non-payment in 2024.

If you or someone you know is at risk of utility disconnection, please reach out to us at info@cubminnesota.org or by calling 651-300-4701, ext. 2. Receiving a disconnection notice can be scary, but CUB can help you navigate the options available and point you towards resources and assistance.