Easing the Long, Hot Summer
By: Source: AARP Bulletin Today Date Posted: 2003-08-22 11:56:43
Many states are poised to help low-income older Americans about to face dangerously hot weather and the big electric bills that go with it.
"Every summer too many older Americans must choose between cooling their homes and buying food, medicine or other basic necessities," says Christopher Baker, senior policy adviser with AARP's Public Policy Institute. "We want them to know that quite a few states help pay for or reduce cooling costs."
About a dozen states offer cooling help, making payments directly to low-income residents with funds from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services' Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP).
Other assistance comes from the Weatherization Assistance Program, a federal initiative making homes more energy efficient as a means of lowering heating and cooling costs, reducing energy consumption and improving health and safety conditions.
Most states that don't set aside specific funding for cooling can draw from LIHEAP money. At least 40 states set aside anywhere from 1 to 37 percent of their regular LIHEAP allotment to assist people whose service has been disconnected or when the president declares an emergency—such as a sudden or intense heat wave.
There have been recent attempts in Congress to increase funding for programs like LIHEAP. Many states also fund their own assistance programs to help with the costs of residential energy.
While information is available, many people don't know how to take advantage of existing programs. [See Where to Get Help on Your Utility Bills.]
"Only a small percentage of the households eligible for these programs are receiving the benefits," AARP's Baker says.
preview