WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Sens. Mark R. Warner and Tim Kaine announced $115,675,266 in federal funding to help low-income individuals and families in Virginia pay for home heating costs, cover unpaid utility bills, and make cost-effective home energy repairs that will lower their heating and cooling bills ahead of the winter season. The funds are being awarded through the Administration for Children and Families’ Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), and they were made possible by the Fiscal Year 2022 government funding bill, the stopgap government funding bill passed in September, and the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, which the senators voted to pass last year.

“Especially with cold winter months approaching, it’s critical that every Virginian has access to the heat they need to stay safe,” said the Senators. “We’re glad this funding will help people pay their energy bills and make home energy improvements that will lower their energy costs. We will continue to look for additional ways to lower costs for families.”

The funding will be allocated to the Commonwealth and distributed based on need.

Warner and Kaine have been strong advocates for lowering energy costs and have consistently advocated for robust funding for LIHEAP, which provides federally funded assistance to reduce the costs associated with home energy bills, energy crises, weatherization, and minor energy-related home repairs. In April, the senators announced over $65.5 million in federal funding to make homes more energy efficient and lower utility costs. In August, the senators voted to pass the Inflation Reduction Act, which will help lower energy costs by making energy efficient appliances more affordable, investing in home energy repairs, and supporting the costs of solar projects.

Qualified Virginians should apply through the Virginia Department of Social Services by going to commonhelp.virginia.gov or calling 1-855-635-4370 (Monday-Friday, 7 AM-6 PM).

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