By Chris Duffrin
Energy CENTS Coalition

With heating fuel prices climbing to record levels, Minnesota's seniors can now add their utility bills to the list of skyrocketing costs usually reserved for prescription drugs, doctors visits and property taxes. By most estimates, Minnesota's natural gas customers will pay between 40 and 50 percent more this winter over last and last year was not a particularly cheap year for fuel prices. Customers in rural Minnesota will also be reeling when the price of fuel oil tops $3 per gallon, up 32 percent, and propane rises another 25 percent.

Despite this gloomy outlook, there is help available for some. One-quarter of Minnesota's population is income-eligible for the Energy Assistance Program and yet only 7 percent apply. Why wouldn't people get help with heating bills if given the opportunity? I suspect the reason is two-fold. Many people still have not heard of Energy Assistance and people see the program as a "handout" and are too proud to apply.

This year the average Energy Assistance recipient in Minnesota will receive $500 toward his or her utility bill, but the average Minnesotan will not even hear about the program. There are many reasons why. The state of Minnesota does little to expand outreach beyond those who have known about the program for a long time. Utilities could do much more in helping people to apply and educating customers. Finally, as Minnesotans, we are all likely to blame. Too often, we don't talk to each other about financial difficulties and how we can get some help.

Labeling Energy Assistance as a "handout" perpetuates the problem. Last year, Congress appropriated $2.2 billion toward the Energy Assistance Program. The same year they passed a comprehensive energy bill with $85 billion in subsidies for oil, gas, coal and nuclear industries. The $85 billion bill was "critically important to our long-term national and economic security" the president declared. Yet, the $2.2 billion bill apparently was not as the president recommended, slashing it to $2 billion in his budget. Why? Because we Americans deem it a "handout." Yet, Energy Assistance helps people with energy costs much more than the energy subsidies ever will and at a fraction of the cost.

This winter, more than ever, we suggest you apply for Energy Assistance. If you meet the income guidelines below, you will qualify. Even if you think you are slightly above this level, it is worth applying. Energy CENTS Coalition together with the Minnesota Senior Federation and other organizations, are asking the legislature to expand income requirements to help more people with heating bills this winter. You can apply for Energy Assistance at the agency that serves your county.

Household size/Annual Income: 1/$19,948 , 2/$26,088, 3/$32,224, 4/$38,364, 5/$44,504, 6/$50,640.

For more information call your local county or EnergyCents at 651/774-9010 .

Click here for list of county contact phone numbers