The Biden-Harris Administration have announced a state-by-state breakdown of funding for the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP). An additional $4.5 billion will be added to the already funded $8 billion by the American Rescue Plan, representing the largest appropriation in a single year since the program was established in 1981.
With an emphasis on supporting homeowners in keeping their heat on during the winter months, California is set to receive a record-setting $382.8 million for home energy assistance. In addition to an annual appropriation of $179.2 million, the state received an additional $203.6 million in funds from the American Rescue Plan.
The White House called on utility companies to prevent utility shut-offs and help expedite the delivery of the federal aid. So far, 14 major utility companies and a delivered fuel trade association have responded. In California, major utility Pacific Gas & Electric has committed to proactively use its resources to help.
The state allocation breakdown prioritizes cold-weather states with higher heating costs. Minnesota, for example, received nearly $274 million in home energy assistance. New York state received just under $876 million.