(Washington, D.C.)–Congressman Jim Langevin today renewed his request that the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) release additional funds from the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) to replenish Rhode Island's funds that have been exhausted due to unseasonably early winter weather.  Secretary of Health and Human Services Tommy Thompson has the authority to release additional funds under legislation passed by Congress.

 Last month, Langevin urged the HHS Secretary to release LIHEAP funds to the State of Rhode Island.  To date, not one penny has been made available to Rhode Island.

 “Rhode Islanders are enduring one of the worst winters on record,” said Congressman Langevin.  “No Rhode Island family should be forced to turn down their thermostat due to lack of financial resources.  The LIHEAP program was created to help those in need and Secretary Thompson should release additional LIHEAP funds to warm Rhode Island homes throughout the unprecedented winter.  With three more months of winter on the horizon, these funds will help to warm Rhode Island homes, keeping our neighbors safe and healthy.”

LIHEAP provides a vital safety net for our nation’s most vulnerable households.  For many low-income families, disabled individuals and senior citizens living on fixed incomes, home energy costs are simply unaffordable.  Many states are receiving an increased number of LIHEAP applications this winter due to high-energy prices and slow economic recovery in parts of our country.  In addition, heating oil, propane and natural gas prices are higher than last year at this time.  The release of additional LIHEAP funding will ensure that states have resources available to support their energy assistance programs in December, January, and February.

It is Congress’ intent that states receive the maximum level of funding available under the Continuing Resolution to help low-income families with their energy bills.  HHS released $844 million in October to help states open heating programs, however, these funding levels are not sufficient as the coldest winter months approach. 

According to the Energy Information Agency (EIA), this year’s energy prices have significantly increased since 2002.  Prices this year are 30 percent higher for natural gas, 60 percent higher for heating oil, 25 percent higher for propane and 11 percent higher for electricity. Natural gas commodity prices continue to fluctuate between $5.50 and $6.00 per mmbtu, and natural gas storage inventories are 19 percent below the five-year average.

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