America’s investor-owned electric companies and other advocates of the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) will partner on March 5 for LIHEAP Action Day, when industry leaders will engage with policymakers on Capitol Hill to emphasize the importance of this customer support program. 

This event, hosted annually by the National Energy and Utility Affordability Coalition (NEAUC), provides as opportunity for advocacy training, policy discussion, and networking for LIHEAP advocates. LIHEAP provides federal assistance to qualifying customers to help cover their heating and cooling expenses—as well as other costs associated with home energy bills, energy crises, weatherization, and minor energy-related home repairs.

For more than 40 years, LIHEAP has effectively assisted families and provided consistent benefits that relieve the energy burden on the most vulnerable Americans. America’s electric companies, NEAUC, and other program advocates remain committed to supporting LIHEAP and working with lawmakers to maximize federal funding.

In addition to advocating for more LIHEAP funding, electric companies are working at the state level to streamline the process for connecting eligible customers to LIHEAP resources in their communities.

Here are five facts to know about LIHEAP:

• Nearly 6 million households across the United States received assistance from LIHEAP in 2023. 
• The majority of households helped by LIHEAP have an annual income below $20,000.
• Six out of seven families eligible for LIHEAP aid did not receive it.
• More than two out of five LIHEAP households include a person who is at least 60 years old.
• Seven out of ten households helped by LIHEAP are home to a child under the age of six, an elderly resident, a veteran, or someone with a disability.

Join us to #ProtectLIHEAP by telling your elected officials in Congress to maximize funding for this critical program!