Minnesota energy assistance delayed by federal shutdown – Twin Cities

ST. PAUL — Thousands of homeowners in Minnesota are seeing delays in energy bill assistance due to the ongoing government shutdown.

The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program, known as LIHEAP, cannot provide benefits while the shutdown continues.

In 2024, Minnesota received $125 million in federal funds, helping 125,000 homes with their utility bills.

An official with the Minnesota Department of Commerce said she is hopeful the shutdown will end soon and encouraged residents to apply for assistance.

“We need folks to say, ‘Hey, I qualify, and this is who my utility provider or my heating provider is’ so that we are ready and have that set up in the system. We’re able to do that part, but we really can’t start issuing any payments until we have those federal dollars in,” said Lissa Pawlisch of the Minnesota Department of Commerce.

North Dakota Health and Human Services said it is also taking LIHEAP applications. When asked whether the shutdown would delay benefits, a representative said, “No directives have been received about LIHEAP at this time.”