More than $93M of federal funding awarded to Virginians’ for home energy costs

Virginia has been awarded more than $93 million to fund the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP).

Funding is from the Biden-Harris Administration and the Infrastructure Investment & Jobs Act, and the $93,123,844 is awarded through the Administration for Children and Families’ Office of Community Services at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. The federal funding will enable low-income Virginian households to pay heating costs this winter and cooling bills in the summer. The award includes funding appropriated by Congress from the Continuing Appropriations Act of 2024 and $100 million appropriated for Fiscal Year 2024 through the bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA).

“With winter just around the corner, it is crucial that every Virginian is able to stay safe from the cold,” U.S. Sens. Mark R. Warner and Tim Kaine said. “Today’s funding will help ensure that families and individuals throughout the Commonwealth have the support they need to pay their bills and lower their energy costs.”

The funding will be allocated to the Commonwealth and distributed on a need basis.

Sens. Warner and Kaine have strongly advocated for lowering energy costs and consistently advocated for funding for LIHEAP, which provides federally funded assistance to reduce the costs associated with home energy bills, energy crises, weatherization and minor energy-related home repairs. The senators also supported the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), landmark legislation that helps lower energy costs by making energy efficient appliances more affordable, invests in home energy repairs, and supports the costs of solar projects.

“LIHEAP provides crucial funding to help vulnerable, low-income families afford their utility and home energy costs,” Congresswoman Jennifer McClellan, who represents Virginia’s District 4, said. “Thanks to the hard work of congressional Democrats and the leadership of the Biden-Harris Administration, our Commonwealth will receive over $93 million to support hardworking families. This is incredibly welcomed news, particularly as we near the winter months, and will ensure more Virginians can afford home heating and cooling systems and their monthly utility bills. I was proud to vote for the CR that included funding for LIHEAP, and I remain committed to ensuring it is properly funded in the upcoming fiscal year.”

Maintaining safe indoor air temperatures is critical, particularly for households that include older adults, individuals with disabilities and young children. By helping to reduce the costs of home heating and cooling bills, reconnecting energy services that have been disconnected, preventing energy shutoffs, and providing minor energy-related home repairs, LIHEAP helps make sure that our neighbors can meet their home energy needs and stay safe in their homes.

“LIHEAP is a lifeline for low to middle income Virginia families to keep their homes heated without breaking the bank. Thanks to our Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, this program is delivering even greater financial support for families in our community who need it,” Congresswoman Jennifer Wexton of Virginia said. “I’m proud that this robust federal funding is on its way to our Commonwealth to support families in time for the cold winter months.”

Individuals interested in applying for LIHEAP can visit energyhelp.us, check their eligibility using the LIHEAP Eligibility Tool, or call the National Energy Assistance Referral (NEAR) hotline toll-free at: 1-866-674-6327.