Lawmakers seek to shore up energy assistance program as demand increases

Minnesota lawmakers are considering adding money to the state's low income heating assistance program.

Because of this year's spike in propane prices, Democrats say they plan to fast-track the measure during the 2014 legislative session, which begins tomorrow.

A bill, sponsored by state Rep. Joe Radinovich, DFL-Crosby, would put an additional $20 million into the federally-funded program, which is managed by the state.

Last month, the state doubled the amount of the crisis payments each household may receive, from $500 to $1,000. Officials also raised the income threshold for the program, often referred to as LIHEAP. That will allow more people to be eligible.

Commerce Commissioner Mike Rothman said additional federal funding is unlikely, so state money is needed to shore up the program.

"The demand has increased so much," Rothman said. "So many people are eligible and applying for low-income heating assistance, that under our projections, we'll be running out of funds in the early part of March."

Radinovich said an infusion of state dollars would help Minnesotans make it through the rest of the winter.

"There's a very real urgency to act now," he said.

Average propane prices in Minnesota have fallen about 30 percent from their peak in late January.

But Rothman said the spike has put huge demands on the LIHEAP program this year.