1 week Ago
PHOENIX — The future of the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program is unclear because consumer advocates recently told 12News that every federal worker who implemented it was fired last week. But Arizona government health leaders say they have been assured by the feds that the grant will continue this summer. "DES received communication from the US Department of Health and Human Services that states changes to its organizational structure should not impact grant distribution," said DES public relations chief Brett Bezio.
'Long-term impact would be devastating' Last week, HHS fired the administrators of the 40-year program. Consumer advocates in Arizona say the grant is a “lifeline” for people who can’t pay their bills, and disruptions will lead to more heat-related deaths. “The long-term impact, if the program goes away, is devastating,” said Kelly McGowan, Executive Director of Wildfire.
The nonprofit works with community action agencies that distribute the relief funds. APS: Customers receive $11-$14 million annually Arizona’s two largest utilities told 12News on Monday that their customers rely heavily on LIHEAP each year. In 2024, more than 14,000 SRP customers received financial assistance; about 14,700 APS customers receive $11-$14 million annually from the program.
“Just last month, APS representatives traveled to Washington, DC, to meet with senators and representatives to advocate for LIHEAP funding for Arizona,” said Ann Porter of APS. “We understand that at this time,e the funding for 2025 is intact, and customers can still apply for support.” Recipients of LIHEAP funds are typically seniors and households with young children, McGowan said.
How SRP and APS customers can get bill assistance In addition to LIHEAP support, APS offers other bill assistance programs. They are based on household income, family size, financial crisis, and seasonal demand. APS ratepayers should go to the utility’s bill assistance webpage to learn more about financial support and to the Budget Billing webpage to learn more about ways to plan for billing fluctuations.
SRP also offers bill assistance programs and resources for ratepayers behind on their bills or undergoing financial hardship. Regulators: “Keeping a close watch on the uncertainty” A spokesperson for the Arizona Corporation Commission tells 12News the agency is monitoring the impact of cuts to LIHEAP staff. “As far as the Commission is aware, the program remains fully funded by Congress, and most of the funding for this fiscal year has already been disbursed,” said Nicole Garcia.
“The Commission is keeping a close watch on the uncertainty of the federal program, but at this point, it is too early to determine its impact on low-income Arizonans.” The ACC is responsible for ensuring bill assistance programs are properly administered by utilities. Watch 12News+ for free You can now watch 12News content anytime, anywhere, thanks to the 12News+ app! The free 12News+ app from 12News lets users stream live events — including daily newscasts like "Today in AZ" and "12 News" and our daily lifestyle program, "Arizona Midday"—on Roku and Amazon Fire TV .
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