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John,
The National Energy Assistance Directors Association estimates that the cost of winter heating could increase by as much as 10.5% this year (from $889 to $982), due to expected colder weather and rapidly rising energy prices across the nation, with electricity costs rising the fastest.1
The most impacted by these soaring costs are older people and low-income households. The federal government provides funding to states to help low-income households pay for heating and utility bills through the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP).
On this Giving Tuesday, instead of asking for donations, we’re asking for action to protect those in need.
Click here to send a message to Congress urging them to pass $1.6 billion in additional LIHEAP funding this month.
SIGN AND SEND
In the fiscal year ending on September 30, 2024, LIHEAP funding was slashed from $6.1 billion to $4.1 billion, resulting in 1 million fewer households receiving assistance.2
For many households, higher energy prices can mean being forced to choose between heat, food, or medication. When heat gets turned off, especially in extreme cold, families can also face increased sickness and mental health problems. Low-income households spend an average of 8.6% of their income on home energy, almost three times the rate for non-low-income households (3.0%).3
While all energy prices are rising, low-income households that rely on electricity for heating and cooling are especially struggling to pay utility bills―for those using electricity, arrearages increased from $12.5 billion in June 2023 to $13.5 billion in June 20244. Overall, one out of six American families are behind on their utility bills, owing a total of $19.6 billion as of the end of June.5
Congress must address this crisis head on. We join the National Energy Assistance Directors Association in asking Congress to approve $1.6 billion in additional home energy assistance this month to help millions of households pay their heating bills this winter.
No one should face the dangers of an unheated home during the winter. Congress must focus on supporting the most vulnerable communities, and do it now, as temperatures are dropping. The new Congress taking office in January is threatening cuts, not help.
Click here to write to Congress today to demand they increase funding for LIHEAP this winter.
Thank you for all you do,
Deborah Weinstein
Executive Director, CHN Action
1 Home Heating Expenditures Projected to Increase by 10.5%
2 As summer ends, concern about utility aid remains red-hot
3 Low-Income Energy Affordability Data (LEAD) Tool
4 Press Release- 2024-25 Heating Season
5 Leadership Letter Supplemental FY 25
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