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Heating and Cooling Relief Act
12/15/2023, 4:05 PM
Summary of Bill S 405
The bill proposes to allocate funds to states to distribute to eligible households in the form of grants or vouchers. These funds can be used to cover expenses related to heating and cooling, such as utility bills, repairs to heating and cooling systems, and the purchase of energy-efficient appliances.
In order to qualify for assistance under the Heating and Cooling Relief Act, households must meet certain income requirements and demonstrate a need for financial assistance with heating and cooling costs. The bill also includes provisions to ensure that the funds are used appropriately and efficiently, such as requiring states to report on how the funds are being distributed and ensuring that the funds are not used for any other purposes. Overall, the Heating and Cooling Relief Act aims to provide much-needed support to low-income households struggling to afford heating and cooling costs, helping to ensure that all Americans have access to safe and comfortable living conditions.
Congressional Summary of S 405
Heating and Cooling Relief Act
This bill provides additional energy assistance to households, including heating and cooling assistance.
Specifically, the bill reauthorizes through FY2033 and revises the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program. Under the existing program, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) may award grants to states for assisting low-income households that pay a high proportion of their income for home energy. To be eligible under the existing program, households must have incomes which do not exceed the greater of an amount equal to 150% of the poverty level for their state or an amount equal to 60% of the state median income. The bill expands eligibility to households with incomes which do not exceed the greater of an amount equal to 250% of the poverty line as defined in the Community Services Block Grant Act or an amount equal to 80% of the state median income. In addition, the bill expands eligibility to households with a monthly energy burden of 3% or more per year.
It also requires states to establish procedures to protect households receiving assistance under the program from energy shutoffs and certain late fees.
In addition, the bill requires HHS and the Department of Energy to jointly carry out a program that awards grants to states and local governments for developing and implementing interagency plans to reduce energy burdens for eligible households with high home energy use. The plans must promote the reduction of energy from fossil fuels.
