Wednesday is Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program Action Day and Pepco employees spent it on Capitol Hill meeting with representatives and advocates for policies that protect funding for LIHEAP and support vulnerable households in the District and Maryland.
LIHEAP is a federally funded program that helps limited-income households with their home energy bills. Program officials say customers should not wait for winter heating bills to arrive before applying for help — LIHEAP is a first-come, first-served program and is only available until funding runs out.
There is no payback required for those who receive funding. Requirements for D.C. and Maryland residents include a household’s income, type of fuel, and type of dwelling.
Homeowners, renters, roomers, and subsidized housing tenants may also be eligible. Customers do not have to be behind on their bills to receive a grant.
“LIHEAP provides critical support to individuals and families in need,” said Valencia McClure, Pepco Region president. “Our teams are advocating for continued funding of this vital program, and we urge any of our customers who may qualify to reach out and take advantage of the support available as soon as possible. We can do so much more when customers reach out to use early, whether through programs like LIHEAP or other payment assistance, we offer directly.”
LIHEAP Action Day is hosted by the National Energy and Utility Affordable Coalition and connects advocates from across the nation with policymakers on Capitol Hill to engage in the program. For more information, visit NEAUC.org.