Need help with your heating bills? These Minnesota programs can help

The catch: Protections aren't automatic. If you or someone you know is worried about keeping up with your bills, call your provider and request a Cold Weather Rule (CWR) payment plan.

Between the lines: Concerns that climate change is leading to cold snaps hitting earlier in the fall — and later in the spring — prompted state lawmakers to extend the program 15 days in each direction.

Another change: The income eligibility limit for a state program that helps Minnesotans pay those bills has been raised to 60% of the state's median income level.

• That means a family of four that takes in $67,765 or less a year can qualify for up to $1,600 for upcoming energy bills or $1,200 for past-due balances.
• For a single person, the max income is $35,237.

Need help? The Department of Commerce has more information, including applications and eligibility guidelines.

Of note: Both the rule and the program are open to both renters and homeowners.