Electric Co-op Today

The federal government has re­leased more than $2.6 billion in funding for the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program, officials announced Oct. 22.

The money will go to help some five million households pay heating bills in the final quarter of this year. “By releasing this money now, we are helping to provide needed assistance to millions of Americans who otherwise might not be able to afford heat this winter,” said Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius.

Bob Patton, NRECA senior principal for education programs, called it “good news for some low-income households who are being severely impacted by today’s economic climate.”

Patton, who is NRECA’s representative on the board of the National Fuel Funds Network, noted that the number of households receiving assistance in paying their utility bills over the last 10 months has reached record numbers in many parts of the country. A combination of economic factors, weather, and increased energy prices has left many households struggling to pay their bills.

“Despite the increase in funding for the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program for this fiscal year, more people than ever, including more and more electric cooperative members, are having trouble keeping up with their utility bills,” Patton said. “Therefore, utilities and other local community groups will be challenged to help those in need to keep their heat on.”

Among the 50 states and the District of Columbia, the LIHEAP distributions ranged from a high of $359 million to New York to $1.5 million for Hawaii. Territories and tribes received a combined $41 million.

Tags: Legislation, LIHEAP