The energy costs of heating or cooling one’s home can place a significant burden on low-income families, especially those living in more extreme climates. According to the Department of Energy’s Low-Income Energy Affordability Data Tool, low-income households spend 8.6% of their income on energy costs, three times more than non-low-income households. For families at or below 100% of the Federal Poverty Level, the average energy burden is 16% or nearly 1/6th of household income. The money these families spend on utilities cannot be used for other household essentials like transportation, housing, or education. Federal assistance to reduce this burden on low-income families comes primarily through two programs, the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) and the Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP).
LIHEAP and WAP cooperate in lowering the low-income energy burden by either providing direct energy cost assistance or by conducting home weatherization services to improve energy efficiency. LIHEAP’s direct assistance is used to reduce heating and cooling costs, while also preventing utility disconnections. Additionally, LIHEAP funds are used to repair and replace furnaces and air conditioners in crisis situations. More than 6 million low-income families with high energy burdens benefit from LIHEAP every year.
Not only does LIHEAP assist with current household energy costs, it also reduces future costs through home energy efficiency improvements. Under program regulations, each state can transfer up to 15% of its LIHEAP funds to WAP, in order to conduct weatherization services for eligible households. Weatherization reduces utility bills, promotes sustainability, and also improves the health and safety of low-income families residing in weatherized homes. The HHS LIHEAP Clearinghouse indicates that about $418 million in LIHEAP funding was directed toward weatherization in 2018, the most recent year for which data is available. Families receiving these benefits not only have a reduced long-term energy burden, they also miss fewer days of work due to illness and pay less in out-of-pocket health expenses. Every $1 invested in weatherization returns $4.50 in energy, health, and safety benefits, according to an Oak Ridge National Lab study. Furthermore, the WAP supports local jobs and small businesses in our communities, while reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
August is LIHEAP Action Month, during which communicating the essential roles that both LIHEAP and WAP play in promoting energy affordability and stability for low-income households is more critical than ever. The Covid-19 pandemic only magnifies the importance of keeping families safe and stable inside their homes. The National Energy and Utility Affordability Coalition (NEUAC) provides an advocacy toolkit to help those participating in LIHEAP Action Month with communicating the positive impact of the program. Check NEUAC’s state metrics to see the impact that LIHEAP has in your state, or read the highlights from last year’s LIHEAP Action Month to see the continuing benefits to low-income families.
Resources
Facebook posts
Did you know low-income families spend more than 3 times as much of their earnings on utility costs as higher income households? The Low-Income Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) and Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP) work together to reduce the serious energy burden placed on low income families nationwide. Read more on LIHEAP and WAP here (link), and use the advocacy toolkit from @NEUAC to spread the word about the importance of LIHEAP #LIHEAPAction
LIHEAP assists low-income families in paying energy costs, but did you know up to 15% of state LIHEAP funding can be allocated towards home weatherization to reduce energy costs before they are incurred? This energy efficiency investment through the Weatherization Assistance Program not only reduces long-term costs, it also improves home health and safety. Read more about WAP and LIHEAP Action Month here (link), and access this social media toolkit to share why LIHEAP is critical to families nationwide #LIHEAPAction
The Low-Income Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) and the Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP) work together to reduce low-income families short and long-term energy costs through weatherization. This is a smart investment, as every dollar spent on weatherization returns $4.50 in energy, health, and safety benefits for these families. Read more here (link), and use this toolkit to spread the word about the importance of LIHEAP and WAP #LIHEAPAction
It’s LIHEAP Action Month! Department of Energy data shows low-income US households spend 8.6% of household earnings on utilities – more than three times the amount higher income households pay. LIHEAP assists these families through heating and cooling cost assistance as well as investing in long-term energy efficiency measures like home weatherization. Read more here (link), and access this social media toolkit to share why LIHEAP is important to families nationwide #LIHEAPAction
Recent LIHEAP figures found the program contributes nearly $418 million towards home weatherizations every year. This reduces energy costs and improves health and safety for low-income families across the country. August is LIHEAP Action Month, learn more (link) about how LIHEAP and WAP are working together to improve efficiency and reduce the energy burden. Access the advocacy toolkit from @theNEUAC to spread the word about the importance of LIHEAP #LIHEAPAction
Twitter posts
Low-income families spend more than 3 times as much of their earnings on utilities as other families. LIHEAP helps reduce the serious energy burden placed on these families. This LIHEAP Action Month, use the advocacy toolkit from @theNEUAC to spread the word about the importance of LIHEAP #LIHEAPAction
Up to 15% of state LIHEAP funding can be allocated towards home weatherization, which reduces long-term energy as well as improving home health and safety. Read more about WAP and LIHEAP Action Month here (link), and access this social media toolkit to share why LIHEAP is critical to families nationwide #LIHEAPAction
LIHEAP reduces low-income families’ energy burden through home weatherization, which provides $4.50 in benefits for every dollar invested. Read more here (link), and use this toolkit to spread the word about the importance of LIHEAP and WAP #LIHEAPAction
@ENERGY data shows low-income US households spend 8.6% of household earnings on utilities – more than three times the amount higher income households pay. LIHEAP assists these families through heating and cooling cost assistance as well as home weatherization. Read more here (link), and see how much good LIHEAP is doing in your state #LIHEAPAction
August is LIHEAP Action Month! Learn more (link) about how LIHEAP and WAP are working together to improve efficiency and reduce the energy burden and access the advocacy toolkit from @theNEUAC to spread the word about the importance of LIHEAP #LIHEAPAction
Fact Sheet & Other Resources
Investing in Energy Efficiency Through LIHEAP (Download)
NEUAC Advocacy Toolkit
NEUAC Social Media Toolkit
NEUAC State Metrics
