Historic increase announced in Vt. home energy assistance

A foliage scene at the Marsh-Billings-Rockefeller National Historical Park in Woodstock. (Gareth Henderson Photo)

Vermonters needing help to keep their homes warm this winter will benefit from a historic increase in funding from a key federal program. 

This week, state and federal officials announced Vermont is receiving $49 million from the Low Income Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), thanks to relief funding from the American Rescue Plan Act. Usually, the state receives about $20 million a year in LIHEAP funding. The program supports eligible households with their heating and energy needs. With the increase, seasonal fuel assistance benefits from LIHEAP will, on average, increase from $912 to $1,522, and cover 89% of a household’s seasonal fuel bill.  

Gov. Phil Scott thanked Vermont’s Congressional Delegation for working to secure this money. 

“These additional funds will allow us to do a number of things to help the vulnerable, including increasing fuel benefits; providing more money for weatherization services, including furnace repair and replacement; increasing the number of gallons or cords of wood you can receive under the crisis fuel program; provide a one-time check of $400 to those who qualify to offset electric heat, benefitting 18,000 households; and more,” Scott said in a statement on Thursday.

U.S. Sens. Patrick Leahy and Bernie Sanders, and U.S. Rep. Peter Welch, joined Scott and the Vermont Department for Children and Families in making the announcement. 

“I’ve supported LIHEAP since its beginning 40 years ago for one simple reason: No Vermonter, no American, should have to choose between heating their home and putting food on the table or purchasing an essential medication,” said Leahy, who is on the Senate Appropriations Committee. “Our work in Washington is only the first step. The last step, the most important one, is when Vermont families sign up for the program and receive the home heating help they need.”

Also in the joint statement, Sanders said the delegation has a “moral responsibility” to make sure no Vermont family goes cold during the long winter months. 

“I’m very proud that this substantial increase means far more Vermonters will receive the benefits they need, and I thank the state of Vermont and our Community Action Agencies for the great work they do helping Vermonters stay warm through the winter,” Sanders said. 

Welch noted that the LIHEAP program “serves as a lifeline” for many low-income families.

“The pandemic has only increased the need for more funding to ensure our communities get relief during the challenging winter months of these already trying times,” he said. “I’ll continue to fight for the highest possible level of funding to make sure that the low-income, elderly and disabled Vermonters who rely on this program are supported in the coming months.”

— Gareth Henderson

For more information, view the Thursday press conference about this increase in LIHEAP funding.