Minnesota Department of Commerce

The sudden combination of higher gasoline and natural gas prices could be with us for an extended period.

Minnesotans looking for help with their utility bills can get a little extra assistance after a cold snap earlier this month sent much of the country into unseasonably low temperatures.

Help is being offered to thousands of Minnesotans who may face a “sticker shock” experience when they receive their next natural gas bill.

Most Minnesotans likely had no idea they were being charged much higher natural gas prices last week while bitterly cold weather covered the state.