Washington (March 5, 2025) – Senator Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.), a member of the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee, today convened a roundtable with Massachusetts-based Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) providers, consumer advocates, and national energy assistance organizations to discuss the urgent need to strengthen and expand LIHEAP to better serve families struggling with rising energy costs.
At the roundtable, Senator Markey underscored the growing demand for heating and cooling assistance through LIHEAP as energy prices continue to rise and reaffirmed his commitment to push for full program funding. Roundtable participants discussed how LIHEAP funding cuts have forced providers to ration aid, leaving many low-income households without critical energy assistance. In Massachusetts, LIHEAP applications have surged by 20 percent in the past year, and the number of first-time applicants has increased by 50 percent. Participants also highlighted the lack of dedicated cooling assistance in many states, including Massachusetts, leaving vulnerable residents at risk as extreme summer heat events become more frequent due to climate change.
“Heating and cooling isn’t a luxury – it is a necessity. But too many families are having to choose between heating and cooling their home or putting food on the table,” said Senator Markey. “In Massachusetts, energy prices have skyrocketed as climate change fuels more extreme weather, making accessible and affordable heating and cooling assistance a lifeline for low-income families. We need to strengthen and expand LIHEAP so working families can pay their bills and heat their homes in the winter and cool their homes in the summer.”
At the roundtable, Senator Markey announced the forthcoming reintroduction of the Heating and Cooling Relief Act, which aims to ensure LIHEAP serves more families in need by increasing funding, expanding eligibility, and improving access to cooling assistance. The bill would transform LIHEAP from a limited relief program into a robust safeguard against energy poverty, ensuring households can afford safe, reliable energy year-round.
“Senator Markey has supported LIHEAP since it was first enacted more than 40 years ago during a period of very high heating oil prices. We are again facing high winter home energy prices but also record summer cooling prices,” said Mark Wolfe, Executive Director of the National Energy Assistance Directors Association. “As a result, families are facing high levels of utility debt, and millions could be facing the shut-off of power this year if additional LIHEAP funding is not provided. Fortunately, we have members of Congress like Senator Markey who have supported LIHEAP funding each and every year. With the support of members of Congress like Senator Markey low-income families will not have to choose between paying for food or their home energy bill.”
“The National Energy and Utility Affordability Coalition (NEUAC) is pleased to join Senator Markey to plan for the future of LIHEAP for Massachusetts and the country,” said Katrina Metzler, Executive Director at The National Energy and Utility Affordability Coalition (NEUAC). “Avoiding energy poverty is critical to protecting the health and safety of families, and Senator Markey’s leadership in fighting energy insecurity is legend. Protecting LIHEAP is our highest priority, and Senator Markey shares that priority.”
Director of Action for Boston Community Development (ABCD) Energy Services Andrea Mendoza said, “Heating and cooling costs have risen to unprecedented levels, crippling households and their ability to afford necessities like food and heat. The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) continuously enables millions of individuals and families to mitigate these challenges. We must continue to work across sectors, raise awareness, and develop solutions to improve access to economic success, and better health outcomes in our communities. ABCD thanks Senator Markey for being a tireless champion for LIHEAP and for the opportunity to participate in this discussion.”
“I’d like to take this opportunity to thank Senator Markey for letting me take part in this discussion regarding the importance of LIHEAP,” said Liz Berube, Executive Director at Citizens for Citizens. “Not only was I given the chance to share our fear of funding cuts in a program that supplements the cost of heating and cooling, but I was also able to convey the successful impact LIHEAP has on thousands of hard working families, their children, and elderly as we continue to keep our most vulnerable populations warm in safe and healthy homes. The Senator continues to be such a great leader and supporter of our LIHEAP program!”
“On behalf of the residents and families of Berkshire County, I would like to express my gratitude for Senator Markey’s longtime and steadfast support of the LIHEAP program. This program is vital in assisting our energy burdened families remain safe and warm through the cold Massachusetts winters,” said Deb Leonczyk, Executive Director of the Berkshire Community Action Council. “It has become ever more crucial as the cost of energy continues to rise. We must not allow this program to be cut or eliminated, as the health of our community is at stake. We are fortunate to have Senator Markey working at the forefront of this cause.”
“Senator Markey has shown unwavering support for the LIHEAP program over these many years. We look forward to working with the Senator to ensure LIHEAP is able to keep struggling families connected to critical energy service year-round, particularly during periods of extreme cold and extreme heat,” said Olivia Wein, Senior Attorney at the National Consumer Law Center.
Senator Markey is a champion for expanding energy assistance and fighting for full LIHEAP funding. In April 2024, he signed onto an appropriations letter led by Senator Jack Reed (D-R.I.), calling for robust LIHEAP funding in the FY2025 budget. He has also successfully advocated for emergency LIHEAP funding releases and will soon reintroduce his Heating and Cooling Relief Act, which he originally introduced with Representative Jamaal Bowman in January 2022, to significantly expand the program. In October 2023, he celebrated the release of $130 million in LIHEAP funding for Massachusetts, helping residents afford winter heating costs. Additionally, he has pushed for greater investments in home efficiency and electrification to help low-income families reduce their energy burdens.
