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Please do not send them via email.

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Energy Assistance Program Information (2025–2026)

• The Energy Assistance Program is open October 1, 2025, through May 31, 2026.
• Applications for the current program year are accepted through May 31, 2026.
• Next program year opens 10/01/2026

Important
Primary and Crisis funds are typically not available until November of each program year. While you may apply while we are accepting applications, we may not be able to assist with utility costs immediately.

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Application Processing

• Applications are reviewed in the order they are received (first-in, first-out).
• Processing may take several weeks during busy times.

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What We Can Help With

• Paying heating and electric bills
• Crisis assistance for urgent situations
• Furnace repair or replacement (for homeowners)
• Information on utility rights and protections
• Referrals to Energy Conservation (Weatherization) and other community resources

✅Our goal is to help you maintain safe, consistent, and affordable home energy.

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Crisis Assistance

In addition to Primary benefits, approved households may qualify for Crisis funds (when available).

• Crisis funds can be used after your Primary benefit has been used
• You may qualify if you:
  • Have a disconnect notice
  • Have already been disconnected
  • Are out of fuel

Households with a member age 60 or older may qualify for Crisis assistance in additional situations.

📞Contact us for details about eligibility.

If you are experiencing an emergency situation, such as:

• You have received a disconnect notice
• Your utilities have been shut off
• You are out of fuel
• You are a homeowner, and your furnace stops working (heating)

➜ Please contact us right away

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Other Resources

If you:

• Do not qualify, or
• Have used all available benefits

➜ Visit our Resources

Application Availability

• The Department of Commerce will mail applications to households who:
  • Were eligible last year (2024–2025) and
  • Submitted a paper application
• If you applied online last year, you will receive an email with instructions on how to apply again.

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Request an Application

To have an application mailed to you, please contact us:
📞 320-963-6500 (Option 1)
energy@wccaweb.com

Include:

• Full Name
• Mailing Address

➜ You may also apply online using the application link (if the link is not working, please try again later).

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How to Submit Your Application

You can submit your completed application and required documents in any of the following ways:

Mail:

P.O. Box 787
Maple Lake, MN 55358

Drop Off:
130 Division Street West
Maple Lake, MN 55358
(A secure drop box is also available in our entryway.)

(320) 963 - 5745

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Important Deadline

✅ All applications for the 2025–2026 program year must be submitted or postmarked by May 31, 2026.

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Urgent Situations

For emergency situations, please send information for prompt assistance:

(320) 963 - 5745
energy@wccaweb.com

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Contact Us

📞320-963-6500 (Option 1)
energy@wccaweb.com

If you are experiencing an immediate crisis, such as an eviction notice, the following organizations may have funds or services available 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 (Buffalo Area)
763-682-2550
📞LOVE Inc. Heartland (Delano/Howard Lake Area)
763-972-6547
📞United Way (Dial 2-1-1)

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Need Help?

These organizations may provide assistance with housing, emergency needs, and other support services. Availability of funds and services may vary, so please contact them directly for more information.

Residents of Wright County, Minnesota may apply for the Energy Assistance Program.

Basic Eligibility

• Must meet income guidelines (updated each year)
• Both renters and homeowners can apply
• Assets are not counted (your home will not affect eligibility)

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What Assistance Is Available?

• The average grant is about $500 to help with energy costs

In addition to the initial grant, additional help may be available:

Crisis Assistance

• May help pay a past-due bill -for households with a household member 60 years of age or older
• May provide emergency fuel delivery – please call us
• Eligibility requirements apply

Furnace Repair / Replacement Assistance (ERR)

• May help homeowners repair or replace a broken furnace

Additional Services

If you qualify for Energy Assistance, you may also qualify for:

• Other energy-related home repairs

📞 Please contact WCCA for more information about these programs.

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Important Note

Eligibility guidelines are updated each year, so you are encouraged to apply even if you have not qualified in the past. Households that exceed income limits during a particular month may apply again in the future. Please contact us for additional details.

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.