PUC Commissioners Urge Congressional Action on LIHEAP
Cite Need to Preserve $19 Million in Remaining Program Funds for PA, Ensure Federal Program’s Long-Term Sustainability
HARRISBURG – In a letter to the Commonwealth’s Congressional Delegation, Pennsylvania’s Public Utility Commissioners are urging Congress to take immediate action to ensure the long-term sustainability of the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) – including the preservation of $19 million in LIHEAP funding already allocated to Pennsylvania for the 2024-25 heating season.
In their joint letter, PUC Chairman Stephen M. DeFrank, Vice Chair Kimberly M. Barrow and Commissioner Kathryn L. Zerfuss expressed their concerns with recent staff reductions in the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), including staff who administer LIHEAP, and the impact of these staffing reductions on the distribution of remaining program funds for this year. The commissioners also raised concerns about the future viability of annual LIHEAP funding in light of these changes.
“LIHEAP is a lifeline for Pennsylvania’s most vulnerable households, including seniors, children, and individuals with disabilities,” noted Commissioner Zerfuss. “It ensures that these families …