Minnesota officials say additional help is available for struggling utility bill payers The state's Energy Assistance Program has an additional $167 million in federal pandemic relief funds to tap into. Written By: Matthew Guerry | × File photo ST. PAUL — Minnesota officials and consumer advocates are urging residents who are struggling to pay their power bills to apply for an assistance program recently infused with extra funding from the federal government. The application period for the program has been lengthened and eligibility extended to higher-earning households than have been allowed in the past. Officials and advocates say the need for assistance is especially great in light of economic hardship caused by the COVID-10 pandemic, consumer protections for which are expiring.