Low-income HVAC program gets $4 billion
Congress passed — and the president signed — an appropriations bill that includes over $4 billion for LIHEAP
Image: White House
The federal government on Tuesday approved funding for a program that helps about six million low- and fixed-income households pay for utility bills, weatherization projects, and HVAC repairs and replacements.
What’s happening: Congress passed — and the president signed — an appropriations bill that provided $1.2 trillion to fund the government for the full year 2026, which runs through Sept. 30.
- It includes $4.05 billion for the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), a $20 million increase from 2025.
- The funding comes despite the Trump administration’s push last year to eliminate the program.
Why it matters: LIHEAP funds are passed through states to local agencies, which then pay participating contractors.
What they’re saying: “Programs like LIHEAP protect customers in need, helping to lower the burden on low-income families by enabling improvements to home energy efficiency, replacement or repair of broken heating equipment, and assistance with energy bills,” Karen Harbert, president of the American Gas Association, said in a statement.
Keep reading
U.S. to double steel, aluminum tariffs to 50%
The president said Friday that the U.S. will double the tariff rate on steel and aluminum imports to 50 percent, effective June 4
U.S. skilled trades demand grows 3x faster than professional roles, study finds
“It is now more difficult and time-consuming to hire an HVAC professional and electrician than a software developer”