MINNEAPOLIS (FOX 9) - The Minnesota Department of Commerce is urging eligible residents to apply for energy assistance ahead of a possible delay in federal funding due to the government shutdown.

Shutdown could impact heating assistance funds

Local perspective:

The Minnesota Department of Commerce says federal funding for the Energy Assistance Program, also known as LIHEAP, is currently on hold. The program helps pay for home heating costs, furnace repairs, and emergency fuel deliveries for income-qualified households. Normally, the state receives about 90% of its federal funding by early November, but the government shutdown is keeping funding from being distributed as the cold weather settles in.

"We are deeply concerned about the potential impact of this funding gap on Minnesota h

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