Senate Stimulus Package Includes $900 million for LIHEAP

March 25, 2020 – On Wednesday, March 25, 2020 the Senate approved a $2 trillion stimulus package in response to the Covid-19 (Coronavirus) pandemic. As a result of that stimulus package, LIHEAP will be seeing a historic $900 million in emergency contingency funding release in addition to regular LIHEAP funding all of which besides the final 1 percent of which has been released.

Utility Moratoriums Initiated Following National Emergency Declaration

March 16, 2020 – Utilities around the country are initiating moratoriums on utility disconnections following the National Emergency Declaration announced by the World Health Organization (WHO). The Energy and Policy Institute (EPI) is providing a live list of utilities that are either suspending or not suspending utility disconnections. To view the live list, visit the EPI web site.

Guidance Provided by HHS Regarding COVID-19

March 13, 2020 – Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) divisions are providing guidance on funding and mitigation techniques following the nation’s response to circumstances surrounding COVID-19, a respiratory virus disease (also known as the Coronavirus). DHHS has provided details regarding the process of funding disbursements as well as multiple guidance resources for mitigating the spread of the virus.

FL Housing Services Offers Walk-in Assistance for Utility Payments

March 6, 2020 – Florida’s Citrus County Housing Services will now be accepting walk-in energy assistance applications. The walk-in appointment will be available Mondays, March 16 and March 30, at the Citrus County Resource Center. Utility assistance applications are generally only accepted by appointment, due to the demand for utility assistance ion Citrus County.

CT Hosting Outreach Event for Energy Assistance Programs

February 28, 2020 – Connecticut’s Operation Fuel, United Illuminating and The Connecticut Association for Community Action will be hosting an outreach event to raise awareness about energy assistance programs

Utility Assistance Day in New Jersey on March 4

February 21, 2020 – Residents in Monmouth County, NJ who are struggling to pay their utility bills have an opportunity to apply for assistance on ‘Utility Assistance Day,’ hosted by the Office of the Senator. The event is on Wednesday, March 4, between 4 and 7 p.m.

Michigan BWCA Hosts Annual Walk for Warmth Event

February 14, 2020 – Michigan’s Blue Water Community Action Agency (BWCA) is hosting the annual Walk for Warmth Event on February 29, 2020. The event spreads awareness about the need for energy assistance in Michigan. Funds raised are used for BWCA Emergency Utility Assistance.

The walk includes volunteers and staff from BWCA, school and church groups, corporate sponsors, elected officials and others. Participants are provided with breakfast following the two-mile walk.

DHHS Releases LIHEAP-Related Action Transmittals

February 7, 2020 – The Department of Energy Assistance (DEA) has issued action transmittals to LIHEAP Grantees, and other interested parties, to communicate actions needed to take concerning their program(s).

The action transmittals include the following:

OCS Issues Dear Colleague Letter on FY2020 Compliance Monitoring Schedule

January 31, 2020 – The Office of Community Services (OCS) issued a dear colleague letter regarding FY 2020 compliance review monitoring visits to Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) grantees. For FY 2020, seven states, one U.S. territory, and two tribal grantees will be reviewed.

Energy Outreach Colorado Weatherizes 1,000 Homes

January 27, 2020 – Colorado’s energy assistance program, Energy Outreach Colorado, has provided 1,000 low-income households with weatherization assistance. The assistance is provided by Colorado’s Affordable Residential Energy (CARE) program.

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