Coalition and utilities advocate for low-income families
Thirty-five million American households are eligible for help from the federal government to pay their energy costs, but only about 6.5 million get that help before funding runs out.
Sobering statistics like those from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services are what Katrina Metzler says drive her to give voice to the plight of too many families for whom it’s a daily choice: Heat for their home or medicine? Heat or food?
“We don’t think anyone should have to make choices like that,” said Metzler, executive director of the National Energy and Utility Affordability Coalition, which recently moved from Denver, Colorado, to Washington, D.C., to increase its visibility and access to its energy partners.
One of those partners is the American Gas Association, she said.
“AGA members and our network of gas suppliers across the country care about the low-income and vulnerable population, and
we share the mission of being a voice against energy poverty,” Metzler told American Gas. “It’s important for us to be the voice for these folks so they are not forgotten by energy policymakers.”
Among the programs that Metzler advocates is the federal Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program, commonly referred to as LIHEAP, which provides an average of $250 in financial assistance every year for families that qualify—that is, until funds run out. Twenty percent of eligible households are home to veterans, she said.
Metzler urges AGA members to attend LIHEAP Action Day, scheduled for Feb. 15, when the coalition, AGA and other advocates visit members of Congress to raise awareness and share stories of how the program helps those in need.
“Especially with an administration in transition, there is a lot of uncertainty about what the priorities of the new administration will be. We’ve enjoyed support from both sides of the aisle, and I think that exists because of our education and advocacy efforts,” Metzler said.
On Feb. 14, the coalition will host a training day for the nonprofit network of providers who deliver the services of LIHEAP nationwide, sharing strategies and success stories.