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There is also a federal program to provide utility bill assistance. The National Energy Assistance Directors' Association is a primary educational & policy organization for the state and other organizations of the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program, which is often referred to as LIHEAP. LIHEAP is a federal government program that provides grants to states to help struggling with assistance on their their electric, heating and cooling utility bills.
In 2007, Americans spent an average of 9.5% more on heating their apartment and houses. This is according to the National Energy Assistance Directors' Association organization.
Some background: LIHEAP is a Federally funded program that is by states and other organizations. Grantees typically come from low income households and are seeking assistance for their home utility and energy bills. It has been operating since 1982 and its official purpose is to assist struggling, primarily low-income households that pay a too high proportion of their household income reduce their utility bills that are paid for home energy needs. The program will encourage priority to be given to those with the highest home energy needs, and assistance needs. This often means low income households with a too high energy burden and/or the presence of a vulnerable individual in the household, which may mean a disabled person, a young child, or frail older individual.
In addition to LIHEAP, another program available is the weatherization program, which over 5 million Amercans have taking advantage of, and which can save over $300 per year in utiltiy bill costs. Learn more about weatherization.
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