Washington, DC – During their annual convention this week, state utility regulators adopted a resolution urging increased funding for the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP). The resolution calls for Congress to appropriate LIHEAP funding in FY08 at its fully authorized level of $5.1 billion.
The resolution was adopted by the National Association of Regulatory Utility Commissioners (NARUC).
“NARUC has always been a vocal advocate of increased funding for LIHEAP,” said Kyle Rogers, American Gas Association (AGA) managing director of government relations. “Along with AGA, NARUC understands that insufficient funding for LIHEAP will have a devastating effect on seniors, the disabled and low income families with small children, making the burden of paying energy bills virtually impossible. AGA is proud to stand as partners with NARUC in the battle to secure full funding for this critically important program."
“The number of households eligible for LIHEAP assistance has increased 78 percent since the program began in 1981. Had funding kept pace with inflation, LIHEAP would currently be funded at $4.2 billion. Because of this persistent gap between available funds and the number of households that qualify for assistance, only 16 percent of the 38 million eligible low-income households received federal aid through LIHEAP. This program must be adequately funded so needy families can have access to this important program.”
The full text of the resolution is expected to be posted soon on the NARUC website (www.naruc.org).