LIHEAP Action Day brings attention to those in need of energy assistance 

The national event focuses on the program’s critical role in providing vulnerable populations access to utilities 

ST. LOUIS (Feb. 21, 2022) — Spire is joining hundreds of people across the country for LIHEAP Action Day, an event to engage and educate policymakers around the critical need for the federal Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP). This national effort is organized by the National Energy & Utility Affordability Coalition (NEUAC).

The event also brings attention to the program’s expansion this year. In Missouri, the LIHEAP income cap and benefit amount have doubled allowing more people to receive more assistance. 

“It’s imperative that we protect LIHEAP funding,” said Connie Sanchez, Spire community outreach specialist. “LIHEAP Action Day is an opportunity for us to meet with our congressperson to discuss the program’s impact on the millions of households who struggle with paying their energy bills and seek assistance every year.” 

Sanchez and her team typically travel to Washington D.C. for LIHEAP Action Day. Due to the coronavirus pandemic, the meetings are taking place virtually this year. 

“We realize that we are a voice for many who rely on LIHEAP as a lifeline,” she continued. “Most of these households include the most vulnerable members of our communities—veterans, the elderly and disabled, and families with young children. LIHEAP is a valuable resource that allows families to maintain heating and cooling services throughout the year so they can focus remaining resources on other important purchases such as food and medication.”   

According to the NEUAC, in 2020, nearly 700,000 households in Missouri qualified for LIHEAP, 200,000 more households than in 2019. 

Enrollment for LIHEAP opened in October. Since then, Spire customers in Missouri have received nearly $8 million in LIHEAP funding. LIHEAP is open to eligible households through May.

Each year, Spire’s community support team also conducts hundreds of LIHEAP outreach events with community agencies to increase awareness around the program and help individuals navigate the application process.  

To learn more about LIHEAP and other Spire-sponsored energy assistance programs, visit SpireEnergy.com/Assistance.