What does it cost to heat an apartment or house in Minneapolis/St. Paul?
Actual heating costs for a home vary enormously depending on the type of home, how well it is insulated, the efficiency of the heating system, and how warm the house is kept.
A one-bedroom apartment in a block can be heated for $50 a month during the winter. A family house can cost $350 or more a month during the winter.
How can I get an estimate of heating costs for an apartment or house?
Heating bills vary widely, depending on the size of your home, how much you use the heat, and how energy efficient your home is. Here's how to estimate what your heating bills will run.
What Can Residents on Minneapolis/St. Paul Do To Manage Energy Bills?
When the winter bill can be $200 and summer $40, it's hard to budget. Xcel Energy offers an averaged monthly payment plan where you pay more in summer and less in winter. Setting up Averaged Monthly Payment is free.
What If I Can't Pay For Heat?
Local, State and Federal programs exist to help low-income families with heating costs. Here's a list of programs which provide energy assistance in Minnesota and the Twin Cities.
In the last resort, the Minnesota Cold Weather Rule makes it illegal for a utility company to cut off your heat during the winter even if you can't pay the bills. You are required to contact the utility company and arrange a payment plan to avoid having the heat turned off.
