HARRISBURG, PA — The Energy Association of Pennsylvania (EAP) has raised concerns over recent staffing changes at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, citing potential risks to the administration of the federal Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP).
“For over four decades, the national Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program, or LIHEAP, has provided vital funding for heating assistance to millions of Americans,” said Andrew Tubbs, President and CEO of EAP. He noted that the program supported 435,000 Pennsylvanians during the 2023-24 winter heating season.
Tubbs emphasized the program’s efficient allocation of funds directly to utilities, which has minimized fraud and waste while maintaining bipartisan support. However, he warned that staffing reductions threaten LIHEAP’s ability to deliver critical support to vulnerable households across Pennsylvania.
“It is essential that LIHEAP remains staffed to efficiently and effectively distribute program funds,” Tubbs stated. “The Energy Association of Pennsylvania looks forward to working with our congressional delegation on solutions to protect LIHEAP and the Pennsylvania households that rely on this indispensable program.”
LIHEAP plays a critical role in assisting low-income families with their heating bills, especially during the harsh winter months. EAP remains committed to advocacy efforts aimed at preserving the program’s robust and effective administration for those most in need.
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