"Millions of American families are about to face an impossible choice: heating their homes or putting food on the table. As the senator for a state known for its volatile winters and as executive director of the National Energy Assistance Directors Association, we call on states and utilities to choose a different outcome for those families and shut off the shutoffs."
"A nationwide freeze on utilities' ability to disconnect customers from heat for nonpayment isn't about politics it's about public safety. The breakdown in federal budget negotiations has frozen the release of funding for many of the essential services families rely on nationwide, including the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (Liheap). Liheap helps struggling households keep their heat and lights on by helping eligible families pay their utility bills."
The federal shutdown has frozen release of Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (Liheap) funds, leaving most states reliant on limited carryover from last year. Millions of households risk utility disconnection for nonpayment as winter arrives, forcing families to choose between heating and food. A senator and the executive director of the National Energy Assistance Directors Association urge states and utilities to suspend shutoffs for nonpayment until Liheap funds are released. Many states and utilities voluntarily paused disconnections during the early Covid months to protect public health. Some states already pause disconnections seasonally; Massachusetts started a moratorium early to shield residents affected by the shutdown.
Read at www.theguardian.com
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