What is LIHEAP? | Low-Income Assistance—In Action | General Information

Electric Companies Provide Critical Assistance to Low-Income Customers

Facing rising energy prices and costs associated with strengthening the nation's electric infrastructure, utilities recognize that keeping energy affordable for low-income customers is a critical industry issue.

Here you will find information on the electric power industry's efforts to help low-income customers meet their basic energy needs. Among the industry's various programs, EEI and its members advocate for Congress to fund the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP).

What is LIHEAP?

LIHEAP is a federal program that helps low-income families pay their winter heating bills or summer cooling bills. LIHEAP provides critical energy assistance to the nation’s most vulnerable households: 92 percent have an elderly household member, disabled household member, or a child in the home. LIHEAP is a targeted federal program, with low overhead costs, that truly is a lifeline for those most in need.

In 2011, LIHEAP has become an unfortunate target as Congress and the Administration look for ways to cut federal spending. In fact, President Obama is proposing to cut funding for LIHEAP in half next year. The proposed LIHEAP funding cuts would impact more than 3 million low-income Americans who need help, at a time when gasoline, food, and energy prices are on the rise.

EEI, our member companies, and a number of other organizations support LIHEAP and are calling on Congress to stop the proposed funding cuts and to maintain LIHEAP funding at $5.1 billion in fiscal year 2012.

• Access a letter  sent to all Members of Congress by EEI and other organizations.  

Low-Income Assistance—In Action

• Advocacy
  Access EEI's LIHEAP reference library, designed to help you develop your own LIHEAP advocacy plan. 
• Additional References
  Get answers to frequently asked questions about LIHEAP, as well as state-by-state information on LIHEAP appropriations and analyses of federal home energy assistance.
• Member Best Practices
  Learn from our members about best-practice strategies to support LIHEAP and other low-income assistance programs.
• Utility Programs for Low-Income Customers
  An interactive search tool that features utility programs for low-income customers.

Resources

• LIHEAP Web Site
  U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
• LIHEAP Clearinghouse
  The National Center for Appropriate Technology, National Energy Affordability and Accessibility Program
• AGA's Energy Analysis: Low-Income Energy Consumers: The Need for Assistance Continues
• U.S. Government: Department of Health & Human Services 
• National Fuel Funds Network 
• National Energy Assistance Directors Association 
• Campaign for Home Energy Assistance
• Weatherization Assistance Program 
  U.S. Department of Energy
• Weatherization Assistance Program Technical Assistance Center