Qualified LRES customers can receive assistance with their gas utility bills, through the LRES Gas Affordability Program.
This state mandated program is administered by The Salvation Army. It is designed to offer qualifying LRES customers assistance in paying their monthly natural gas utility bills. Assistance will be provided through two distinct components:
- Affordability assistance based on a percent of household income
- Arrears forgiveness
The LRES Gas Affordability Program is available to residential customers who have received assistance from the Energy Assistance Program since October 1, 2016. In order to be enrolled, customers must agree to be placed on a payment plan and make the required payment every month to stay enrolled.
Enrollment is offered on a first-come first-served basis until the state-set $1 million cap is reached. To apply, complete the Gas Affordability Program application and mail your completed application to: The Salvation Army, 2445 Prior Ave., Roseville, MN 55113. For more information on the Gas Affordability Program, call The Salvation Army at (888) 733-8033.
The Gas Affordability Program is funded by a monthly affordability surcharge that is assessed to all general service residential and commercial customers of Minnesota Energy Resources. The Minnesota Public Utilities Commission (MPUC) determines the rate of this monthly surcharge. Effective April 1, 2019, the surcharge is currently $0.00905/therm and appears as a line item on monthly bills.