Blogs

This week, APGA took two actions to support homeowners receiving energy from public natural gas utilities across the U.S. Conversations continue on Capitol Hill regarding another relief bill to best support those impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. For APGA, there is specific attention on helping those who cannot afford their energy bills at this time. To emphasize this concern, APGA along with a few other trade associations submitted a letter to the leaders on appropriations committees in the House and Senate. This communication included a request for an additional $10 billion in supplemental Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) funding in an upcoming COVID-19 relief bill. With this additional support, the program can expand utility bill payment assistance to millions more Americans experiencing unemployment and other economic hardship due to the COVID-19 pandemic. To see this letter, click here.

In addition to the correspondence regarding LIHEAP, APGA joined a diverse coalition of organizations in support of reintroduction of the Homeowner Assistance Fund legislation. This bill would provide American households with payment assistance for utilities, including natural gas. Given the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, this aid will be important for APGA’s members’ customers. More details on this legislation will be provided as it moves through Congress.

For questions on this article, please contact Stuart Saulters of APGA staff by phone at 202-544-1334 or by email at ssaulters@apga.org.