New England governors ask for $3B more in heating assistance

MANCHESTER, N.H. —

With cooler weather approaching, all six New England governors are asking the federal government for more money to pay for home heating aid.

The Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program, or LIHEAP, helps qualified families with their winter heating bills.

The governors are calling on Congress to add $3 billion to the program, saying higher-than-normal energy costs are straining the program.

“At current funding levels, rising energy prices will erode the purchasing power of LIHEAP assistance, forcing states to reduce benefits or serve fewer eligible households when the need is greatest,” the governors wrote in the letter.

The $3 billion being requested would bring total program funding to $7 billion this year.

Anyone who needs help with their heating bills can apply for LIHEAP by contacting their county Community Action Agency. Find a list of numbers here.

The state also has additional resources residents may be able to take advantage of.