In a normal year, Minnesota would have already received its federal funding for the Energy Assistance Program (EAP), known nationally as the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP). However, because of the ongoing government shutdown, the money will likely be delayed at least another month.

The EAP provides qualified households with money to cover costs associated with energy needs. This includes money to assist with heating bill payment; assistance with individuals facing a utility disconnect or repairs/replacement of unsafe and non-functioning heating systems.

Brown County’s EAP is run by the Minnesota Valley Action Council (MVAC). MVAC executive director Amanda Mackie said in the last season, 634 households in Brown County received energy assistance. Around 150 were facing a utilities disconnect and 17 used funds to replace a furnace or water heater.

“That’s a pretty typical year,” Mackie said. “We didn’t have a super cold winter last year. We don’t know how many will apply this year. We usually don’t see the application until it gets cold.”

Even though, the federal government has not sent funding for the 2025/2026 winter season, MVAC and the Minnesota Department of Commerce are encouraging eligible households to apply for the EAP.

“We’re ready to move quickly once federal funds come through,” Minnesota Department of Commerce Commissioner Grace Arnold said. “In the meantime, the most important step Minnesotans can take is to apply now, so they’re in the system and ready to receive help the moment it’s available.” 

Mackie confirmed MVAC is still accepting application for energy assistance in order to be ready for when the federal funds do arrive.

“We still want those applications,” Mackie said. “We want applicants to get into the queue while we wait for funds,” Mackie said. Though the federal funds have not arrived yet, there are some startup funds for staff to take applications.

Mackie said the Department of Commerce has notified vendors and energy suppliers about the potential payment delays due to the government shutdown. They are asking vendors not to shut off utilities, but there is no way to force companies to comply.

“We are working with utility companies to protect Minnesotans from LIHEAP payment delays,” said Lissa Pawlisch, an assistant commissioner with the Minnesota Department of Commerce’s Division of Energy Resources. “Xcel Energy and Minnesota Power have committed to keep LIHEAP-eligible customers connected who might otherwise have been disconnected for non-payment.”

Minnesota does have a cold weather rule that offers some protection from utility shutoffs. It requires households to set up and follow a payment plan, which can be difficult or impossible without energy assistance.

Mackie said part of the concern from this funding delay is the challenge for families to budget over the next year. Even if the shutdown were to end tomorrow, the funds would likely still be delayed a month.

“There are currently 18 people in the federal government administering this program,” Mackie said. “All but five are furloughed. There are not many who can help and if these layoffs become permanent, we could have bigger challenges.”

Last year, the EAP supported over 125,000 households across Minnesota, with more than two-thirds of assistance going to residents in Greater Minnesota. Nearly 75% of households served included seniors, people with disabilities, or children under six. 

“We want to keep them warm during the winter,” Mackie said. “We are communicating with our legislator and we want the public to do so as well.