The National Energy Assistance Director’s Association estimates home heating costs could go up 17% this winter, to the highest level in more than 10 years.
President Trump recently released his proposed budget and organizations that help families with heating assistance could take a hit. Trump proposed cutting nearly $90 million for heating assistance programs throughout the country.
Minnesota will get another $56 million in federal aid to help those struggling to pay heating bills. The aid comes from the federal Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program. It's in addition to $86 million Minnesota has received so far this heating season.
The St. Cloud area is on pace for a third straight year of record heating assistance applications. They're about 620 applications ahead of last year at this time.