WASHINGTON, D.C. — Following a request by U.S. Sens. Sherrod Brown (D-OH), Susan Collins (R-ME), and Jack Reed (D-RI), the Department of Health and Human Services has announced plans to release all remaining funds for the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP). According to the U.S. Energy Information Association (EIA) the average price of propane –the primary source of home heating oil for more than 6 million Americans –is up more than 19 percent over 2013 prices at $2.96 per gallon. Additionally the EIA projects the average home heating cost for this winter will be more than $900 per house hold.

“With temperatures falling to around zero degrees and rising propane prices, it’s essential that working families and Ohio senior citizens have the resources they need to heat their homes,” Brown said. “With the price of propane up nearly 19 percent over last winter and other fuel sources like heating oil and natural gas also increased, these additional funds help ensure that every Ohioan has the resources they need to stay safe and warm.” 

According to HHS, the mission of LIHEAP is to assist low income households, particularly those with the lowest incomes that pay a high proportion of household income for home energy, primarily in meeting their immediate home energy needs.  

Brown has long fought to ensure Ohioans are able to afford and meet their energy needs. Today’s action follows a letter Sens. Brown, Collins, and Reed sent to HHS urging that all additional LIHEAP funds be released. The Senators pointed to extreme weather conditions coupled with above average prices in propane, heating oil, and natural gas as key factors to releasing the additional funds.

In order to apply for the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program, Ohioans may go to the State of Ohio website to get more information about the program and application process.  Or, Ohioans may contact their local Community Action Agencies.

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