April 16, 2020 – LIHEAP agencies across the country are making necessary changes to their typical operations to accommodate the circumstances due to the national COVID-19 pandemic. Resources are available to customers so they can stay informed on program changes in their area and not miss opportunities for assistance. Iowa, for example, has announced an application extension deadline, and offers online applications. Iowa residents now have until May 31 to apply.

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.

April 3, 2020 – The Office of Community Services (OCS) released Dear Colleague Letters providing guidance surrounding issues and conditions associated with the circumstances in result of COVID-19. This guidance follows the release of a $900 stimulus package for LIHEAP on March 25, 2020.

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 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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.