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The 2024-2025 Energy Assistance Program year began on October 1, 2024. The Energy Assistance Program runs from October 1 – May 31. Applications are being accepted.

Applications are now being accepted for the 2024-2025 Energy Assistance Program year through May 31, 2025. Applications are processed on a first-in, first-out basis, with crisis applications given priority. Application processing may take several weeks during our peak season.

Funding for the 2024-2025 Energy Assistance Program year is available to those who income qualifies. If you have an immediate crisis such as a disconnect, have been turned off, or have an empty fuel tank, please notify us.

If you did not meet the income eligibility requirements for our program or have utilized all of the funds available to you this program year, please visit our resources area, where you will find organizations that may be able to assist you.

Please call us at 320-963-6500, option 1 with questions, or email us at energy@wccaweb.com.

In addition to Energy Assistance Primary Heat Benefit funds, income-qualifying families are eligible for Crisis Funding upon availability. A household can use these funds when the Primary Heat Funds have been exhausted. There are specific criteria for using these funds. Some of these include the home receiving an active disconnect notice, having a utility company (heating/electricity) disconnect service, or running out of fuel.

There may also be a possibility to assist homeowners in repairing or replacing their malfunctioning furnaces that were in working order when they applied for Energy Assistance. Please contact WCCA with any questions.

Households with family members over the age of 60 can use Crisis funding for other purposes as well; please contact us for more information. (320) 963-6500 ext 270 / energy@wccaweb.com

If you qualify for the Energy Assistance Program, you may also be eligible for weatherization services or other important energy-related repairs. Contact our Weatherization Program for more information. Eligibility guidelines are revised yearly.

The Department of Commerce has mailed Applications for the 2024-2025 Energy Assistance Program year to those who were eligible for the 2023-2024 program year if they submitted a paper application last program year.

If you applied ONLINE for the 2023-2024 Program year, you will receive an email from the Department of Commerce on how to apply.

If you would like to request an application, please call our office at 320-963-6500, option 1 or email energy@wccaweb.com with your request with the following details:

• Full Name
• Mailing Address

You may also apply online here. (If this link is not working, please try again later).

Please call us at 320-963-6500, option 1 with questions, or email us at energy@wccaweb.com.

Mail your completed application and supporting documents to P.O. Box 787, Maple Lake, MN 55358

Drop your completed application and supporting documents off at our building at 130 W. Division St. Maple Lake, MN 55358. We also have a drop box in our entry.

Fax your completed application and supporting documents to 320-963-5745

**All 2024/2025 Program Year applications MUST be Postmarked and/or received by our office no later than 5/31/2025**

All emergency correspondence should be emailed to energy@wccaweb.com or faxed 320-963-5745 for prompt assistance.

If you have an immediate crisis such as an eviction notice, below are additional resources that may have funds to assist you.

• Wright County Human Services 763-682-7414
• Salvation Army (Wright County) 763-682-2205
• Catholic Charities 651-647-3100
• LOVE Inc. Big Woods 763-682-2550 (Buffalo area)
• LOVE Inc. Heartland 763-972-6547 (Delano/Howard Lake area)
• United Way 2-1-1

To apply for the Energy Assistance Program, you must be a Wright County, Minnesota resident. Households must also meet program income requirements. Energy Assistance is accessible to both tenants and homeowners in qualified dwelling types. The average award amount is around $500.

There is also the ability to help homeowners get their broken furnaces repaired or replaced. Please contact WCCA to inquire. If you qualify for EAP, you may qualify for Weatherization services or other essential energy-related repairs as well.

Eligibility guidelines are revised yearly.

To apply for the Energy Assistance Program, you must be a Wright County, Minnesota resident. Households must also meet program income requirements. Energy Assistance is accessible to both tenants and homeowners in qualified dwelling types. The average award amount is around $500.

What is the time period to apply for energy assistance?

Households can apply for energy assistance from Oct. 1 through June 1.

Do I need to apply every year?

No, not every year, but every heating season. The heating season is from Oct. 1 through June 1.

Do I need to be in an emergency situation to apply for energy assistance?

Apply as soon as you can. Your application will be processed in the first-in, first-out priority.

Can my utility vendor shut me off?

Yes, unless you take steps under the Cold Weather Rule to protect yourself. You must contact your utility company to apply for protection from having your heat shut off. This is true for all residential customers, including families with young children and senior citizens.

Do you pay my entire bill?

No, the energy assistance grant is not based upon the amount of your bill. The grant amount is determined by your consumption use, household size and household income.

Should I continue to pay my bill?

Yes, you should always continue to pay your bill on a monthly basis to avoid past-due balances. Ask your vendor about the budget plan to make your payments affordable to your needs.

What if I receive a disconnection notice?

Contact your vendor to arrange a payment plan and submit an application for energy assistance and include a copy of your disconnect notice. If your disconnect notice is within the current billing cycle, WCCA will contact your vendor upon receiving your application. If the vendor informs WCCA that they are willing to schedule a payment plan with you, your application will be processed in the first-in, first-out priority within one to six weeks. If WCCA is not able to negotiate with your vendor, your application will be processed within 18 to 48 hours, if funding is available.

Are all utilities covered?

All utilities must follow some level of the Cold Weather Rule. Rate-regulated utilities (Xcel Energy, Reliant/Minnegasco and others) must follow a more expanded rule than municipal utilities and electric cooperatives. There are separate laws that have similar protections for municipal and electric cooperative customers. Delivered fuels, such as fuel oil, propane and wood are not covered.

What is the Cold Weather Rule (CWR)?

The CWR regulates the conditions under which gas and electric utilities may disconnect residential service in the winter (from Oct. 1 to Apr. 15). The CWR requires that ratepayers who have difficulty paying heating bills contact their utility to work out a mutually acceptable payment plan to preserve service. The type of plan available depends on your household income level.

Is this a monthly grant?

No, this is not a monthly grant. Upon your approval into the program, the entire amount you are eligible for will be sent to your selected vendor(s) within four months.

How long is the application process?

Processing your application can take anywhere from one to six weeks, depending on the number of applications received in the office. Applications are processed in a first-in, first-out priority.