North Dakota To Again Help Tackles Winter Heating Costs
In recognition of National Energy Assistance Day on Feb. 2, North Dakota Health and Human Services and the North Dakota Department of Commerce are urging residents who struggle with heating costs to apply for the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program.
Over the past year, LIHEAP helped an average of 37,000 North Dakotans by distributing $15.3 million in home energy assistance. During the heating season alone, the program supports more than 36,500 people each month, with the average household receiving about $161 per month.
LIHEAP provides financial assistance to help households pay energy bills and also offers weatherization services aimed at improving home energy efficiency. These services can include insulation, weather stripping around doors and windows, furnace cleaning, repair or replacement, and chimney inspection and cleaning. Both homeowners and renters are eligible.
Beginning in 2025, HHS transitioned LIHEAP to a year-round application process for regular benefits. Previously, applications were limited to specific enrollment periods and required households to reapply annually. Officials say the change helps prevent utility disconnections, reduces emergency service needs and supports household stability.
Emergency LIHEAP assistance is also available year-round for unexpected hardships, including furnace failures, utility shutoff prevention and temporary heating or cooling needs.
To increase awareness of energy assistance programs, the Department of Commerce’s Office of Community Development and Rural Prosperity will host Community Services Virtual Office Hours on March 10 at 1 p.m. CT, focusing on LIHEAP and weatherization resources.
North Dakotans can apply for LIHEAP online at hhs.nd.gov/applyforhelp, through local human service zone offices or by mail. Free application assistance is available through Community Options at (800) 823-2417.
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