Are you looking for ways to reduce your monthly electric bill? Minnesota Power understands that managing expenses can be challenging, and they offer a program designed to help income-qualified customers. This program is called CARE, and it provides significant discounts to make your energy bills more affordable. If you’re eligible for the Energy Assistance Program (EAP), you might also qualify for the CARE program and receive a discount on your electric bill. Senior citizens or individuals living with disabilities who are EAP-qualified are automatically enrolled in one of the CARE program’s discount options.
Understanding the CARE Program
The CARE program aims to ease the financial burden of electricity costs for eligible Minnesota Power customers. It offers two distinct discount options, ensuring that different needs are met: the Flat Discount and the Affordability Discount. Both are designed to lower your monthly expenses and provide financial relief.
Who is the CARE Program For? (Eligibility)
The CARE program is specifically designed for Minnesota Power customers who meet certain income requirements. Eligibility can be determined in two primary ways:
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Qualifying for Minnesota’s Energy Assistance Program (EAP): If your household income is at or below 50% of the state median income, you likely qualify for EAP. Applying for and being approved for EAP is a key pathway to CARE program eligibility. It’s important to note that even if you don’t accept EAP funds, simply qualifying through the application process can make you eligible for CARE discounts. You can find the updated EAP income guidelines on the Minnesota Department of Commerce website.
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Minnesota Power’s Self-Declaration Process (for the first year): For the initial year of enrollment in the CARE program, you can qualify through Minnesota Power’s Income- and Usage-Qualified Discount. This option requires household income to be at or below 60% of the state median income, or if a household member participates in a qualifying income-based program. However, to maintain CARE program eligibility beyond the first year using this method, you will need to apply for and be approved for the Energy Assistance Program (EAP).
Types of CARE Program Discounts
The CARE program offers two types of discounts to cater to different customer needs and financial situations:
Flat Discount
The Flat Discount is a straightforward, automatic monthly discount. You don’t need to apply separately for this discount if you meet the criteria. Customers who qualify for Minnesota Power’s Residential Service Income- and Usage-Qualified Discount or Minnesota’s Energy Assistance Program (EAP), and are also seniors or living with a disability, are automatically enrolled in the Flat Discount program.
This discount provides a $20 reduction on your monthly electric bill, every month your bill is $20 or more before taxes and fees. It’s a simple and consistent way to save on your energy costs without needing to fill out extra applications, provided you meet the automatic enrollment criteria.
Affordability Discount
The Affordability Discount is designed for customers who spend a significant portion of their income on electricity. If your electric bills consume more than 3% of your annual income, this discount may be particularly beneficial.
To access the Affordability Discount, a one-page application is required. It’s important to be aware that funding for this discount is limited and offered on a first-come, first-served basis. While applications for the Affordability Discount are currently closed, it’s advisable to check for updates and potential waitlist options if you believe this discount aligns best with your needs. Keep an eye on the Minnesota Power website for announcements regarding the availability of the Affordability Discount application.
How to Apply for the CARE Program
Taking action to enroll in the CARE program can lead to significant savings on your electric bills. Here’s how you can get started:
Application Process
Currently, online applications may be temporarily unavailable. Minnesota Power is actively working to resolve this issue to make the application process as smooth as possible. While online applications are down, it’s recommended to check the Minnesota Power website for updates and alternative application methods, or to inquire directly with Minnesota Power customer service for the most current instructions.
Key Step: Regardless of the discount type, a crucial step to ensure continued enrollment in the CARE program is to reapply for the Energy Assistance Program (EAP) annually through your local energy assistance provider. Once you are enrolled in a CARE rate, your enrollment continues as long as you remain EAP-qualified. Therefore, yearly EAP re-application is essential to maintain your CARE program benefits.
Income Requirements Explained
To reiterate, there are two primary pathways to meet the income requirements for the CARE program:
Minnesota Power’s Self-Declaration
For the first year of eligibility, Minnesota Power offers a self-declaration process linked to their Income- and Usage-Qualified Discount. To qualify this way, your household income must be at or below 60% of the state median income. Alternatively, qualification is possible if a member of your household participates in certain income-based assistance programs. Remember, this self-declaration route is primarily for the first year of CARE program participation.
Energy Assistance Program (EAP)
The most common and ongoing route to CARE program eligibility is through the Energy Assistance Program (EAP). Households with an income at or below 50% of the state median income are generally eligible for EAP. Eligibility is determined based on your income from the previous month. It’s important to note that EAP eligibility guidelines are updated annually, typically starting October 1st. Even if you choose not to receive direct financial assistance from EAP, applying for and being approved for the EAP program is a key qualification for receiving CARE discounts from Minnesota Power.
What to Expect – Discount Amounts
Understanding the discount amounts can help you see the potential savings you could achieve through the CARE program.
Flat Discount Details
With the Flat Discount, when your monthly electric bill is over $20 (before taxes and fees), you will consistently receive a $20 discount each month. This provides predictable savings and can significantly lower your annual electricity expenses.
Affordability Discount Details
The Affordability Discount is structured to provide deeper savings based on your income level and energy usage. The exact discount amount varies, but the following chart provides estimated monthly billing amounts and potential savings under the CARE Affordability Discount:
Estimated monthly billing amounts include all applicable charges such as fuel adjustments and cost recovery rider adjustments, excluding sales tax and municipal franchise fees.
This chart illustrates how the Affordability Discount is designed to significantly reduce your monthly electricity costs, making your energy bills more manageable based on your income.
Customer Success Stories
The CARE program has made a real difference in the lives of many Minnesota Power customers. Here are a few testimonials from individuals who have benefited from the program:
“CARE is a lifesaver. I can stay in my home!” – J
“I went through some tough times and everything was overdue. It gives me money to stay close to being on budget.” – L
“Thank you from the bottom of my heart. My husband is on so many medications and this helps us afford the co-pay. We are so grateful.” – T
“I am a diabetic and the savings help me eat healthier.” – J
These testimonials highlight the tangible impact of the CARE program, providing not just financial relief, but also greater stability and improved quality of life for participating customers.
Conclusion
The Minnesota Power CARE program is a valuable resource for income-qualified customers seeking to lower their monthly electric bills. Whether through the automatic Flat Discount for seniors and those with disabilities, or the more tailored Affordability Discount, the CARE program offers pathways to significant savings. By understanding the eligibility requirements, application processes, and discount options, you can take the necessary steps to potentially reduce your energy expenses and improve your financial well-being. If you believe you may be eligible, explore the CARE program further and consider applying for the Energy Assistance Program to unlock these valuable benefits. Visit the Minnesota Power website or contact customer service today to learn more and start saving.
