Energy Assistance Program (EAP)

Geographic Scope: Minnesota (Mahnomen, Hubbard, Becker, Otter Tail, Wadena, and West Polk Counties)

Focus Areas: Utility assistance, heating and electric costs, emergency energy repairs

Program Year: October 1 to May 31

Eligibility: Income at or below 50% of state median income; open to renters and homeowners

Grant Types

Primary Heat:

• Heating assistance for households who rent or own
• Income requirement: at or below 50% of state median income
• Assistance based on household size, gross income, and previous year's energy costs
• Covers: electricity, natural gas, propane, heating oil, biofuel
• Grants paid directly to energy providers

Crisis Program:

• Eligibility: disconnection notice from utility AND attempted to set up Cold Weather Rule payment arrangements OR delivered fuel vendor requiring payment upon delivery
• Additional emergency assistance available

Energy Related Repair (ERR):

• Available to homeowners with life-threatening situations or no-heat emergencies due to malfunctioning heating systems
• Requires approval for energy assistance
• Proof of home ownership required
• IMPORTANT: MAHUBE-OTWA must be contacted to set up the event for eligibility; reimbursement of repairs/replacements not initiated by MAHUBE-OTWA is not allowable

Benefits

• Free to apply
• Grants based on household size, income, and utility costs
• Up to $1,400 available per household
• Accounts must be in household member's name
• Available to renters and homeowners
• Can assist with emergency fuel deliveries
• Can assist with emergency utility shut-offs and disconnection notices

Contact Information:

• Phone: 218-847-1735 or 1-888-458-1385
• Fax: 218-847-1388
• Email: eap@mahube.org
• Address: 1125 West River Rd, Detroit Lakes, MN 56501
• After Hours No Heat Crisis Line: 888-458-1385 (monitored October 1 - May 1)
• Program Manager: Kendra Lund - 218-847-1385 x181
• Program Director: Daniel Josephson - 218-847-1385 x143

Application Process

Online Application:

• Apply through Minnesota Department of Commerce: http://mn.gov/home
• Accessible from phone, computer, or tablet
• Video instructions available

Required Materials:

• Completed, dated, and signed application
• New application required once per program year (October 1 - May 31)
• Verification of Income and Expenses (VIE)
• Self Employment Income Worksheet (SEWS) if applicable
• Questionnaire for Dwelling Eligibility
• Affidavit Declaring Income Change if applicable

Alternative Methods:

• Mail applications to: MAHUBE-OTWA Energy Assistance Program, 1125 West River Rd, Detroit Lakes, MN 56501
• Request application be mailed to you

Language Support:

• Applications in Large Print available
• Additional languages available through MN Department of Commerce

Processing Note:

• All applications submitted will be properly processed
• Every application submitted once per year will be processed

For Emergency Situations:

• Contact local Energy Assistance Program provider immediately if heat or electricity is disconnected, heating fuel is gone, or furnace stopped running