(ABC 6 News) – When the weather gets as cold as it has been lately, it’s not unusual for some families to have a hard time paying their energy bills.

The energy assistance program is here to help low income families keep their homes heated, while lowering their energy bills.

This year, Minnesota will get $112 million for the program, estimated to help 100,000 families reduce energy costs.

The program also helps cover costs of emergency furnace repairs.

According to U.S. Senator Tina Smith, the program has already helped a man on a fixed income repair his furnace.

“There was no way he could afford to repair the furnace, so he was faced with potentially leaving this home that he lived in for 30 years,” said Smith. “But thanks to energy assistance, they were able to use that energy assistance to reduce the cost of fixing the furnace so he was able to stay in his home.”

To see if you qualify for this program CLICK HERE.