Press Releases

Today, Congresswoman Chellie Pingree (D-Maine) announced $37.6 million for the Low Income Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) to help Maine families lower their heating costs this winter—part of a $3.7 billion investment awarded through the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Administration for Children & Families’ Office of Community Services. 

"With Maine families facing another winter, this LIHEAP funding comes at a critical time. More than 45,000 Maine households – our neighbors, seniors, and tribal communities – rely on this assistance to keep warm and safe through the winter months,” said Pingree. “No one should ever have to choose between heating their home and putting food on the table or buying medicine. That's why, as a member of the House Appropriations Committee, I'll continue fighting to protect and strengthen LIHEAP funding.”

Alongside $36.6 million in regular block grant appropriations, over $900,000 of the FY 2025 funding will come from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. 

In addition to helping cover heating and cooling costs, LIHEAP can also be used to weatherize homes to make them more energy efficient—as well as to mitigate energy emergencies during disasters and extreme-weather events. 

Created by Congress in 1981, LIHEAP has helped millions of low-income households pay their home-heating and cooling bills, prevent energy shutoffs, restore services, make minor energy-related home repairs, and weatherize homes to make them more energy efficient. 

Nationwide, an estimated 6 million households receive assistance with heating and cooling costs through LIHEAP, including over 45,000 Maine households. LIHEAP is administered by states and accessed through local Community Action Agencies. Eligibility for LIHEAP is based on income, family size, and the availability of resources. You can find more information on LIHEAP in Maine or apply for funding for the upcoming winter heating season HERE. 

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