PENNSYLVANIA — U.S. Senator Bob Casey has announced significant funding to assist Pennsylvania families with their home energy bills this winter. A total of $193,486,298 will be provided by the Low Income Home Energy Assistant Program (LIHEAP) to help low-income households in Pennsylvania.
The funding is a lifeline for many families as home energy bills have been on the rise across the United States. On average, Americans pay $429.33 per month for their utility bills, and the average monthly electric bill was $137 in 2022. The cost is forecasted to be $529, on average, up from $517 last year, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration.
This increase in costs has led to a situation where more than a quarter of U.S. households struggle to meet their home energy bills. In the context of this, the funding comes as a much-needed relief for families in Pennsylvania.
“As it gets colder outside, heating bills are rising—stretching Pennsylvania families’ budgets even thinner than they currently are,” said Senator Casey. “This funding will keep Pennsylvanians safe and warm in their homes this winter without breaking the bank. This is another example of how I’m working to lower costs for Pennsylvania families struggling to make ends meet.”
The funding will not only help families with their heating bills in the winter but also provide support for cooling bills in the summer. Moreover, LIHEAP funds can be used to weatherize homes to make them more energy-efficient, reducing the overall energy demand and thereby lowering energy costs in the long term.
During disasters and extreme weather, LIHEAP funding can also be used to mitigate energy emergencies. This year, more families will be able to access LIHEAP funding than ever before, as the annual funding amount has been bolstered by an additional $100 million from the Infrastructure Investment and Job Act FY2024 appropriation.
Senator Casey is encouraging families to visit energyhelp.us to see if they qualify for assistance. The support is expected to help many Pennsylvania families stay safe and warm in their homes during the winter season.
For the latest news on everything happening in Chester County and the surrounding area, be sure to follow MyChesCo on Google News and MSN.