The Biden-Harris Administration has announced funding for the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP). As part of the American Rescue Plan (ARP), this funding will help states, localities and tribes address home energy costs this winter. In addition to regular annual appropriations, states will receive additional funds from the American Rescue Plan – more than double the typical annual funding for the energy assistance program allowing states to offer more home energy relief than ever before. LIHEAP is the main federal program that helps low-income households with their energy bills, providing critical assistance during the cold winter and hot summer months.
In addition, the administration said that it has also secured commitments from major utility companies shutting off utilities for Americans applying for aid and expedite assistance. In the Northeast, those companies include: Eversource, Green Mountain Power, National Grid, and Vermont Gas, as well as the delivered fuel trade association NEFI.
After the Administration’s announcement, Senator Markey of Massachusetts and Congressman Bowman of New York recently introduced the Heating and Cooling Relief Act, legislation to invest in and expand LIHEAP to universalize energy assistance for all of those who need it. Currently, it is estimated that only 16 percent of households eligible for LIHEAP are actually served.
In addition to ARP funding for LIHEAP, on January 25, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra announced the release of $100 million from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to help families pay their outstanding heating and cooling bills.
The White House has posted the available funding for each of the states and territories. Provided below are the LIHEAP funding breakdown from the ARP for the Northeast states: