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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

  • Deadline to apply is May, 31, 2026. Applications must be received at our office or postmarked on or before this date in order to be processed.
    • New program applications will come 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.

  • Primary heat and crisis funds are typically available starting in November each year.

EAP 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 EAP 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 (starting 9/2/2025): 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

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

Eligibility Information

Energy Assistance Program
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.

  • The average grant is $500, based on household size, income, and energy costs.

In addition to the initial grant:

  • Crisis funds can help with past-due bills or emergency fuel deliveries.

  • Homeowners may also qualify for furnace repair or replacement if their system is not working.

Eligibility guidelines are updated each year.

Application Details

How to Apply
Applications are no longer available for LIHEAP benefits. The new program year applications will be mailed in early September 2026.

Weatherization only applications can be requested by calling our office.

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: Andrea Goeden, LIHEAP Program Director

 

 

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

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