Back to

Energy Assistance Program

About the Program

Need help with heating or electric bills?

Many Minnesotans spend more than 25% of their income on utility costs. WCMCA’s Energy Assistance Program (EAP) may be able to help.

Program Information

  • New program applications will become available in September 2026. If you were approved during 2025, you will automatically receive an application by email or mail.
  • Applications are processed in the order they are received. Peak season applicants may see a delay of up to 16 weeks to be approved.
  • Deadline to apply is May 31, 2027. Applications must be received at our office or postmarked on or before this date in order to be processed.
  • Primary heat and crisis funds are typically available starting in November each year.

Energy Assistance helps income-eligible households with the cost of heating and electricity. Assistance does not cover the full cost of energy but is designed to ease the burden.

Services We Offer

    • Bill payment assistance with Primary heat grant
    • Crisis benefit
    • Furnace repair or replacement (must own your home)
    • Information on utility consumer rights, utility affordability programs
    • Referrals to Energy Conservation services and other local resources

Additional funding may also be available through programs like Reach Out for Warmth  if you’ve already used your Energy Assistance award. Contact WCMCA for details.

For statewide program information, visit the MN Department of Commerce website.

Office Locations & Contact

Elbow Lake Office

411 Industrial Park Blvd

Elbow Lake, MN 56531

Hours: Mon–Fri, 8:00 am–4:30 pm

Moorhead Office
715 11th St N, Suite 100, Moorhead, MN 56560
Hours: Mon–Fri, 7:30 am–4:00 pm

Alexandria Office
1910 Aga Drive, Suite 206, Alexandria, MN 56308
Hours: Mon–Fri, 8:00 am–4:30 pm

Communication Correspondence
Email: eap@wcmca.org
Fax: 218-405-3006

Eligibility Information

The Energy Assistance Program is available to Minnesota homeowners and renters who live in Clay, Douglas, Grant, Pope, Stevens, Traverse, and Wilkin counties.

    • Both renters and homeowners are encouraged to apply.
    • Assets such as your home are not considered when determining eligibility.
    • Primary Heat Benefits range from $200 – $1,400 and are based on household size, income level, and energy cost burden.

In addition to the initial grant:

    • Crisis funds can help with past-due bills or emergency fuel deliveries. There is no need to provide a separate application for these funds. Crisis funds are available on a first-come, first-served basis and are not guaranteed.
    • Homeowners may also qualify for free furnace repair or replacement if their system is not working.

Eligibility guidelines are updated each year.

Application Details

How to Apply

  • Download, print, and complete the application. Mail the completed application to our office with your income proofs.
  • Apply online at mn.gov/home
  • Visit one of our 3 office locations
  • Call our office and request an application be mailed to your address

Grant Information

    • Grant Program: LIHEAP (Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program)

    • Grantee Agency: West Central Minnesota Communities Action, Inc. (WCMCA)

    • Address: 411 Industrial Park Blvd, Elbow Lake, MN 56531

    • Phone: 800-492-4805

    • Email: office@wcmca.org

Leadership & Oversight

  • Executive Leadership: Missy Becker Cook, Executive Director
  • Grant Oversight: Toby Weigand, Energy and Weatherization Director

 

 

Documents & Links

Start Application

  • 2026-2027 Energy Assistance Program Application

Download PDF

More Information

General Inquiries

  • 218-405-3073, Ext. 1
  • 800-492-4805, Ext 1
  • Fax: 218-405-3006
  • Energy Assistance Program
    WCMCA, Inc.
    411 Industrial Park Boulevard
    Elbow Lake, MN 56531

After hours no heat or disconnected utilities October-April

  • Call your local sheriff's office

Back to Programs