CHARLESTON, W.Va. — There is now additional federal money available for families to use for heating and cooling bills.
President Biden and his administration announced the release of $100 million from the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) on Tuesday. This funding comes on top of investment in the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) through the American Rescue Plan (ARP) and the Continuing Resolution most recently passed by Congress, per a release from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Secretary (DHHS).
DHHS Secretary Xavier Becerra said during a press call Tuesday that the $100 million is the first installment of the five-year, $500 million investment in the program provided from the infrastructure law. DHHR confirmed that with investments from the American Rescue Plan, Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, and Continuing Resolution, the Biden-Harris Administration has spearheaded the largest distribution of funds over a 12-month period since LIHEAP was established in 1981.
“We are announcing the release of $100 million to help families pay their outstanding heating and cooling bills so that working families do not have to choose between staying warm and putting food on the table this winter,” Becerra said.
The $500 million included in the IIJA is the Biden administration’s third appropriation of LIHEAP funding in the past year. The total awards from ARP and FY 2022 Appropriations in West Virginia totals just over $70 million, according to the DHHS.
Individuals interested in applying for energy assistance can search for their local LIHEAP intake agency or office using HHS’ map of LIHEAP Local Agency Locations. Alternatively, they can contact their state, territory or tribal office, or contact ACF’s Office of Community Services for assistance at 1-866-674-6327.
“Funding will also be used to help households curve utility debt so that they are not disconnected from services now or when utility moratorium ends,” Dr. Lanikque Howard, Office of Community Services Director for DHHS said.