May 8, 2020 – Many utilities across the country are making changes to their program operations to accommodate low-income households during the pandemic. One common change among them are the changes to the moratoriums; however, utilities such as such as California’s San Diego Gas and Electric (SDG&E) are changing additional aspects of their program operations to further assist low-income households during this time.

April 27, 2020 – Ohio has made changes to their application process for those seeking energy assistance. Applicants are no longer required to visit their local Energy Assistance Office to apply. They can now request an application via mail or apply online. Those who do not have access to the internet have the option to complete their application over the phone.

April 13, 2020 – As energy companies around the country initiate disconnection moratoriums during the COVID-19 pandemic, some of the utilities such as Entergy Texas, will be suspending the disconnection of utilities until further notice. The policy to suspend the disconnections was originally set to expire in 30 days.

Energy companies will work with customers to make payment arrangements and encourage those who are able to pay on their accounts to do so. Allie Payne, spokesperson for Entergy Texas, says customers should not delay in requesting assistance with their energy bills.

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 supplemental FY 2020 allocation. These additional funds will be released to all grantees; including States, Territories and Indian Tribes and Tribal organizations (Tribes) in upcoming weeks to help eligible low-income households afford their energy costs and avoid making cutbacks on other household essentials as a result of hardship caused by the virus.

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.