MA’s Fuel Assistance Program in Full Swing

November, 20, 2020 – The Action for Boston Community Development (ABCD) Fuel Assistance Program in Massachusetts is now in full swing, helping thousands of low-income households pay their utility bills. In 2019, the program assisted more than 25,000 households in paying their utility bills.

No Cutoffs for Pepco Customers Until January in MD

November 13, 2020 – Despite moratoriums ending in Maryland on November 15, Pepco customers will not be cutoff if they are behind on their bills. The extended protection by Pepco will also prevent residents in DC and Virginia from disconnections.

According to a spokesperson from Pepco, power will not be turned off until January, but the official disconnection warnings will be distributed next week. Nearly 132,600 customers behind on their bills will be protected from utility shutoffs.

$3.36 Billion for FY21 Released to LIHEAP Grantees

November 6, 2020 – The Office of Community Services (OCS) announced the release of $3.36 billion for the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) for FY21. The funding is regular block-grant funding and provides funding for LIHEAP until December 11, 2020.

Kentucky LIHEAP Begins Nov 2

October 30, 2020 - The subsidy portion of the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program in Kentucky begins on November 2, according to the Kentucky River Foothills Development Council. Eligible applicants may receive one-time payment vouchers for energy assistance.

Utility Moratoriums Now in Effect in Some States

October 23, 2020 – As the winter months approach, some state’s utility moratoriums are going into effect to protect low-income utility customers from having disconnects during winter conditions. Minnesota’s “Cold Weather Rule,” for example, went into effect Oct 15 to protect low-income utility customers from disconnections during the cold, winter months.

Cold Weather Rule Begins in Minnesota

October 16, 2020 – Minnesota’s Cold Weather Rule is now in effect and protects low-income customers from utility disconnections until April 15. To be eligible, customers must establish a payment plan with their utility provider.

New Iowa Program Assists Low-Income Utility Customers

October 9, 2020 – Iowa’s new residential utility program, the Residential Utility Disruption Prevention Program (RUDPP), will assist eligible utility customers with up to $2000 in assistance with their utility bills. Application for this program is open until November 20, 2020, or until funding is depleted.

$4.5 Billion in LIHEAP Funding Included in Updated HEROES Act

October 2, 2020 – The recently updated Health and Economic Recovery Omnibus Emergency Solutions (HEROES) Act includes $4.5 Billion for the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP).

WV LIEAP Customers Receive $125 Supplemental Benefit

September 25, 2020 – The West Virginia Department of Health and Human Services (WV DHHS) has stated that a supplemental benefit payment is being distributed to utility customers who received assistance from The Low-Income Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP). The supplemental benefit amount is $125.

WI Moratoriums Extended to Nov 1

September 18, 2020 – The Wisconsin Public Service Commission (PSC) has voted to extend the utility moratorium in Wisconsin until November 1. The extension is in result of a recent rise of COVID-19 cases in the state.

Customers are urged to make payment plans “If you have been unable to pay your utility bills, contact your utility to arrange a payment plan or seek public assistance now, and while funding is available,” said PSC Chairwoman Rebecca Cameron Valcq.

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