Kansas Offers LIEAP for Summer Utility Bills

August 18, 2017 – This summer, Kansans will have a little extra help paying their utility bills thanks to the Low Income Energy Assistance Project (LIEAP).

Phyllis Gilmore, secretary of the Kansas Department for Children and Families, said, “This extra assistance will help keep Kansans safe from dangerous heat. The hot summer months can be especially difficult for Kansans who face the dilemma of whether to turn on the air conditioner and face a high electricity bill or pay for other necessary expenses.”

Utility Assistance Program Taken Over by Pima County

August 9, 2017 – Low-income families living in Tucson, Arizona who need assistance paying their utility bills will now have to go through a new program administered by the Pima County Community Services, Employment and Training Department (CSET). This new change is due to the change in the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP).

Assistance Available for Low Income CT Households Facing Utility Shutoffs

August 4 - 2017 – Operation Fuel (OF) is accepting applications for assistance in preventing utility shutoffs in low-income Connecticut households. The delay in the adoption of a state budget has impacted the summer assistance program for some fuel banks, and a few urban areas have stopped accepting applications for utility assistance until the General Assembly finalizes a budget. Operation Fuel will continue to help people as much as possible with donations from individuals and area foundations.

IM Released from OCS: New Federal Poverty Guidelines and State Median Income

July 28, 2017 – On June 26, the Office of Community Services (OCS), Division of Energy Assistance issued an Information Memoranda (IM 2017-02) announcing the release of the optional FFY17 and mandatory FFY18 HHS Poverty Guidelines. Information Memoranda 2017-03 was also released announcing the updated State Median Income Estimates for Optional Use in FFY17 and mandatory use in FFY18.

Indiana Announces Plans for 2017 Summer Cooling Program

July 21, 2017 - The Indiana Housing and Community Development Authority (IHCDA) 2017 Summer Cooling Program through the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) has released its plan to continue through Aug. 25.

The IHCDA focuses on keeping Indianans warm during the winter and cool during the summer by providing financial assistance to low-income households. Last year, IHCDA assisted 103,200 households with an average benefit of $350 per household.

HAC Reveals LIHEAP Funding for FY 2018

July 14, 2017 - The House Appropriations Committee (HAC) released their FY 2018 appropriations on Thursday, July 13. The appropriations committee revealed that the administration for Children and families (ACF), will be provided $30.9 billion. The bill includes $3.3 billion for the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) program.

2017 Annual NEUAC Conference Held This Week in Fort Lauderdale, Florida

June 30, 2017 – The 2017 Annual NEUAC Conference was held this week in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. From June 25 through June 28, utility representatives and non-profit members, among others, attended workshops and exhibits that highlighted issues and solutions to helping low-income energy consumers become self-sufficient.

Ohio Summer Crisis Program Starts July 1

June 23, 2017 – The Ohio Development Services Agency and local Community Action Agencies will help income-eligible Ohioans stay cool during the hot summer months. The Home Energy Assistance Summer Crisis Program provides income-eligible customers with electric bill assistance or assistance paying for central air conditioning repairs. The crisis program runs from July 1 through August 31.

HHS releases FY 2017 Funds

June 16, 2017 – The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Office of Community Services released over $378 million in the second and final round of FY 2017 funding available for LIHEAP.

These funds have been appropriated by Congress under the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2017 (Public Law 115-31), which the President signed into law on May 5, 2017. This law provided the final budget for LIHEAP in FY 2017.

DHHS Helps Low-Income Nebraskans Cool Down with Fans

June 9, 2017 – Two Department of Health and Human Service (DHHS) programs are helping low-income customers with cooling assistance by providing fans and bill-pay assistance throughout the summer. Thirty-two organizations in 24 Nebraska counties work with DHHS to distribute fans to needy citizens to help them cope with the summer’s heat.

Organizations distributed more than 5,600 fans last year across the state. The organizations that distribute the fans determine the eligibility of the recipients. Fans are purchased with LIHEAP funds.

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