Propane Hotline Extends Hours To Include Weekend

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) -- A Minnesota hotline will be open this weekend to help residents deal with propane issues during an ongoing shortage.

Increased demand led state officials to open the hotline this weekend. The line will operate Saturday and Sunday from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

The State Emergency Operations Center set up the hotline Thursday. It is staffed with experts who can provide information about energy assistance programs, connect callers with resources, and provide other information. It's open 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Residents who have questions about the propane situation or who are in danger of running out of heating fuel can call (651) 297-1304 in the metro area or (800) 657-3504 in greater Minnesota.

Officials say the hotline fielded more than 80 calls on its first day of operation Thursday.