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Weatherization Assistance Program

How to apply for weatherization in Minnesota

You can read an online list of instructions for applicants or call the Minnesota Department of Commerce at 1-800-657-3710.

Number of Homes Weatherized

2000: 2102  2001: 2339  2002: 3074  2003: 2926  2004: 3151  2005: 3030  2006: 3114  2007: 2678  

DOE Funding for Weatherization
(In U.S. Dollars)

2000: 5852382  2001: 6646224  2002: 9979183  2003: 9682194  2004: 9855435  2005: 9898845  2006: 10154727  2007: 8802132  2008: 9809089  2009: 15972943  

Minnesota Recovery Act Funding - Weatherization Program
$131,937,411

Minnesota Weatherization and Low-Income Energy Programs

Minnesota Weatherization

Minnesota Contacts

The Minnesota Department of Commerce administers the DOE-funded Weatherization Assistance Program for the state. The Minnesota Department of Commerce sets the eligibility requirements and oversees the local agencies that provide weatherization services in the field.

The Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP) uses energy conservation techniques to reduce the cost of home energy. Correcting health and safety hazards and potentially life-threatening conditions is the first consideration in WAP activities.

Instructions and applications are available on the Minnesota Energy Assistance Programs page or by calling the Energy Information Center at 1-800-657-3710.

Profile of Minnesota Weatherization Recipients
Total number of households receiving assistance in 2006 8,552
Percent elderly 17%
Percent with children 43%
Percent with disabilities 12%

Minnesota Weatherization Overview

The Weatherization Assistance Program Technical Assistance Center (WAPTAC) publishes a summary of funding, contacts, and links to state directives for local weatherization agencies involving standards for service.

Energy and Low-Income Heating Assistance (LIHEAP) in Minnesota

Complete List of Minnesota's Low-Income Energy Programs

The National Energy Accessibility and Affordability Project (NEAAP) publishes a complete list of the programs available to low-income households in the state, including those funded by federal and state governments, Minnesota utilities, and charities. NEAAP publishes this list as part of the LIHEAP Clearinghouse, which is maintained on the National Center for Appropriate Technology Web site and receives support from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. The list also includes LIHEAP contacts in Minnesota. Under federal rules, Minnesota can use up to 25% of its LIHEAP funds for weatherization.

State Energy Assistance Programs

The Minnesota Department of Commerce also administers low-income energy programs and offers the following programs:

  • The Energy Assistance Program (EAP) helps pay home heating costs. Households with the lowest incomes and highest energy costs receive the greatest benefit.
  • Reach Out for Warmth program helps households that earn more than the income limit for the Energy Assistance Program. This program is completely funded from corporate and individual donations. Households eligible for EAP receive limited funds when federal funds are inadequate to meet household needs.

Minnesota Publications and Links

Some of the following documents are available as Adobe Acrobat PDFs. Download Adobe Reader.

DOE Publications

Dazzling Minnesota with Energy Efficiency Savings (PDF 105 KB)
DOE's Weatherization Assistance Program publishes this short fact sheets summarizing accomplishments and funding statistics; 2 pp.; October 2001.

Minnesota Publications

Minnesota Department of Commerce Publications
The Minnesota Department of Commerce has published a series of Home Energy Guides:

  • Appliances (PDF 174 KB)
    This guide helps consumers and homeowners understand the major energy-consuming appliances in the home including refrigerators, freezers, ovens, stovetops, dishwashers, clothes washers and dryers; 10 pp.; July 2005.

  • Caulking & Weatherstripping (PDF 3462 KB)
    This guide tells you how to identify air leakage points in your home, describes various types of caulk and weather stripping materials and provides illustrated how-to-apply instructions; 12 pp.; July 2005.

  • Low Cost & No Cost Energy Saving Ideas (PDF 184 KB)
    This guide addresses the often-overlooked energy saving tips for all areas of your home that cost little or nothing to implement; 8 pp.; July 2005.

  • Minnesota Weatherization Field Guide — Best Practices for Improving the Comfort and Safety of Existing Homes (PDF 4.02 MB)
    The Minnesota Department of Commerce publishes this field guide with support from DOE’s Weatherization Assistance Program for weatherization providers and home energy professionals; 190 pp.

  • Minnesota Mechanical Systems Field Guide — Best Practices for Improving the Safety and Efficiency of Existing Heating, Cooling, and Water Heating Systems (PDF 3.5 MB)
    The Minnesota Department of Commerce publishes this brochure with support from DOE’s Weatherization Assistance Program for weatherization providers and home energy professionals; 190 pp.

  • Minnesota Weatherization Policy Manual (PDF 381 KB)
    The Minnesota Department of Commerce publishes this field guide with support from DOE’s Weatherization Assistance Program for weatherization providers and home energy professionals; 43 pp.

More Weatherization Publications

WAPTAC Library
Search the Weatherization Assistance Program Technical Assistance Center library for publications.