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This week, APGA staff and several members participated in a one-day advocacy event to educate elected officials on the importance of the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP). APGA’s grassroots LIHEAP partner, the National Energy and Utility Affordability Coalition (NEUAC), hosted their annual LIHEAP Action Day, which, in addition to public natural gas utilities, brought together low-income home energy assistance advocacy organizations, state and local fuel funds, and charitable organizations to highlight the value of LIHEAP with Senators and Representatives.

This year’s event was particularly important as many of APGA’s customers are finding themselves needing utility bill assistance due to the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. The request to Congress was a $10 billion supplement. Currently, the House of Representatives has proposed $4.5 billion in additional funds for LIHEAP in the stimulus bill that the chamber will vote on soon. While not quite the amount, any supplemental funds approved by the House and Senate will go a long way in ensuring APGA member customers are able to pay their utility bills. This week’s meetings with elected officials ensured LIHEAP will be protected and have adequate funding.

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.