MONTGOMERY, Ala. – Gov. Kay Ivey has awarded $1.29 million in grants to Alabama’s Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program.
“As these record hot summer months continue, many low-income residents may struggle to afford higher electric bills along with other expenses,” Ivey said in a statement. “These grants provide additional funding to assist in lowering cooling costs for many of them.”
The grant money comes from funds allocated through the infrastructure bill signed into law by President Joe Biden in late 2021, and is being distributed by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. The funds will be administered by the Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs, and divided among 18 community agencies that make up LIHEAP.
“ADECA joins Gov. Ivey in supporting those who most need assistance during this time,” said Kenneth Boswell, ADECA director. “Our partnerships with local community agencies ensure that many who truly need assistance receive help with high utility bills.”
Nearly $280,000 – just over 21% of the $1.29 million – will be awarded to the Community Action Agency of Northeast Alabama, which covers Bullock, Cherokee, DeKalb, Jackson, Jefferson, Marshall and St. Clair counties. Receiving just $5,823, Pickens County Community Action Committee and Community Development Corporation, which covers Pickens County, will receive the smallest portion of grant funds.
A complete list of allocated funds can be viewed here.
Families are eligible for assistance based on a number of factors, including income-level, energy costs and family size. Families with young children or people with disabilities are also targeted through the program.
Those seeking assistance through LIHEAP are asked to contact their respective LIHEAP agency.
The nearly $1.3 million in grants is in addition to the $26 million awarded to LIHEAP back in May. Alabamians have seen a particularly hot summer this year, with heat index values exceeding 114 degrees earlier in July.