LIHEAP to help more than 200,000 Bay State families heat their homes this winter

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Edward J. Markey (D-Malden) and Senator John Kerry (D-Mass.) today praised the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS)’s release of $845 million to states throughout the country through the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP). Massachusetts will receive $21 million, which in addition to the almost $78 million already released, brings the Commonwealth’s total to $99 million in FY2012.

“Temperatures may be dropping but home heating oil prices are on the rise this winter, and this release of LIHEAP funding comes at just the right time for Massachusetts families,” said Rep. Markey. “These additional funds will allow states the continue helping households who are struggling in this tough economy this holiday season. While I was disappointed that the final national funding levels for LIHEAP were cut $1.2 billion from the previous year, I applaud Secretary Sebelius for releasing this crucial funding just as the holidays arrive.”

“The bottom line is crystal clear. It's not hyperbole to say that without this lifeline, seniors, the disabled, and working poor families would be choosing between food, medicine, and heating their homes during a brutal New England winter,” said Sen. Kerry. “We’ve been working a long time to get our state’s fair share, and this down payment comes just in time for the holidays."

The Energy Information Agency (EIA) projects average household home heating oil expenditures will increase eight percent and reach record highs this winter. The EIA also forecasts increases of three percent for consumers heating with natural gas and seven percent for those using propane. The National Energy Assistance Directors’ Association anticipates 9.4 million households will seek assistance with their energy costs through the LIHEAP program this winter, up from 8.9 million last year.