NH Delegation Celebrates $1 Billion in Emergency Funding for LIHEAP
The New Hampshire delegation celebrates the inclusion of $1 billion in emergency funding for the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) in government funding legislation under consideration by the U.S. Senate. In August, the New Hampshire Delegation joined a bipartisan, bicameral push to increase emergency funding for LIHEAP.
Funding allocated through LIHEAP assists individuals and families with the costs of heating and cooling their homes and helps to mitigate the impacts of rising energy costs and extreme weather events. Across the nation, LIHEAP helps over 5.3 million households afford their energy bills.
“As winter approaches it is critical that all families are able to keep their heat on and pay their bills in the months ahead,” said Congressman Pappas. “LIHEAP is an essential program that helps keep families safe, healthy, and warm in the Granite State, and I’m pleased the additional funding I called for is being provided in the government funding legislation. In addition to these needed funds, I continue to call on the administration to take further action to lower energy costs, restrict exports, and increase domestic supply. I will always advocate for programs such as LIHEAP that have a long history of serving our families and communities.”
“As we head toward the coldest months of the year, this additional funding for home heating assistance is so important,” said Senator Shaheen. “LIHEAP provides a lifeline for families hit hardest by high prices. No one should have to choose between heating their home and putting food on the table or buying other necessities. As we shore up our energy infrastructure and invest in efficiency to lessen the impact of volatile oil and natural gas prices, I will continue to support robust funding for LIHEAP.”
“With rising energy prices and challenges to our supply chain, Granite Staters will face increasingly high costs to heat their homes,” said Senator Hassan. “I was proud to work across the aisle to build bipartisan support for LIHEAP and get emergency funding included in this bill. This is one of the largest increases in LIHEAP funding that we have ever secured, and will go a long way to help New Hampshire families.”
“As electricity, natural gas, and heating oil costs remain high and the cold winter months approach, additional funding for LIHEAP is critical to ensuring Granite State families are able to keep their homes safe and warm,” said Congresswoman Kuster. “I have called for increased funding for LIHEAP, which is a lifeline for those who struggle to afford their home energy costs. This additional funding will help New Hampshire families, but more work remains – I have urged the Biden administration to release supply from the home heating oil reserve as soon as possible. I will continue working to bring down energy costs and ease the burden of high prices on Granite Staters.”
Following the June announcement of electric rate increases approved by New Hampshire’s Public Utilities Commission, the New Hampshire Delegation urged the state to use the remaining funding secured in the American Rescue Plan to provide financial assistance to help Granite Staters afford their home energy bills.