NPGA Monitoring LIHEAP Funding and Administration

The National Propane Gas Association (NPGA) is closely monitoring the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) as Congress moves forward with its appropriations process to fund the federal government. LIHEAP is a $4B federal program administered by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS)—via block grants to the states—that assists low-income individuals and families in paying their energy bills at their residences. This program is critical as the United States approaches its winter heating season at the beginning of the Federal Fiscal Year on October 1.  Approximately 5% of all residential propane gallons are funded through the LIHEAP program, with some areas of the country more dependent on this aid than others.

LIHEAP has been funded by Congress on a bipartisan basis since 1981.  This year, the White House recommended to Congress that it eliminate LIHEAP funding.  In addition, HHS placed all staff who administer the program on administrative leave. Federal funding is decided by Congress; accordingly, LIHEAP was one of two major issues that NPGA and its membership pressed during Propane Days in 320+ meetings on Capitol Hill.  NPGA is actively working with a significant coalition of stakeholders across the energy sector to ensure adequate funding and administration of the program and anticipates bipartisan support from Congress to continue LIHEAP funding. However, staffing levels at HHS could lead to delays in the disbursement of funds to state governments and other eligible entities.

If you have any questions, please reach out to NPGA’s Manager of Federal Legislative Affairs, Lauren Medlin.