Heating and Cooling Relief Act
- Bill Number
- S. 1214
- Origin Chamber
- Senate
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 1
- Policy Area
- Energy
- Status
- Introduced
- Latest Action
- 2025-03-31: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions.
- Last Updated
- 2026-01-10T07:10:47Z
AI-Generated Summary
Purpose of the Legislation
The Heating and Cooling Relief Act (S. 1214) aims to update and expand the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Act of 1981 (LIHEAP), a federal program that helps eligible households pay for home heating and cooling. The bill seeks to make energy more affordable for low- and moderate-income families, reduce the risk of utility shutoffs (when service is disconnected due to unpaid bills), address rising energy costs driven by climate change, and promote energy efficiency through renewable sources like solar power.
Key Provisions
- Increased Funding: Authorizes "such sums as may be necessary" for the core program to cover all eligible households, replacing previous fixed amounts like $2 billion. Allocates $2 billion annually starting in fiscal year 2026 for a contingency fund to handle emergencies, including extreme heat or cold. Provides $1 billion annually for new "just transition grants" to help states and local governments reduce energy use and shift away from fossil fuels (like coal or oil) in low-income homes.
- Expanded Eligibility and Access: Raises income limits to the greater of 250% of the federal poverty level or 80% of state median income. States must prioritize households with the highest energy burdens (the share of income spent on energy bills, targeted at no more than 3% of income). Simplifies applications by allowing data sharing with other aid programs (e.g., food stamps or Medicaid), self-attestation of eligibility, simplified re-enrollment for fixed-income households, and no requirement for proof of citizenship.
- Emergency and Disaster Assistance: Broadens aid for "major disasters" to include periods of extreme heat or cold (defined as times of high risk for illness, death, or energy failures from temperature extremes). Requires coordination between the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), FEMA, and states to provide heating or cooling help quickly. States must ensure aid can buy energy-efficient air conditioners or similar equipment without needing a medical note.
- Protections Against Shutoffs and Fees: Prohibits utility companies from charging late fees or disconnecting service for up to 2 years after a household receives aid. Requires utilities to refund any recent late fees, share data on overdue bills for outreach, and include program information in late-payment notices. Mandates states to operate the program year-round and offer low-income payment plans.
- Weatherization and Efficiency Improvements: Increases funding for home repairs (like insulation or efficient appliances) from 15% to 25% of a state's allocation, with a focus on reducing fossil fuel use, installing heat pumps (electric systems for heating and cooling), and supporting community solar programs. States must use "toxics-free" materials (those without harmful chemicals that worsen asthma or breathing issues).
- Outreach and Administration: Requires states to partner with schools, utilities, and community groups for enrollment, especially for families with children or medical needs (e.g., those using electric oxygen machines). Mandates online applications within 5 years, fair wages for program staff (at least $15/hour or local minimum), and training. HHS must issue guidance on extreme heat action plans, vulnerable groups (like pregnant women), and links to other federal rebates (e.g., from the Inflation Reduction Act).
- Data Collection and Studies: Creates a standardized system for tracking utility debts, shutoffs, and fees among eligible households. HHS and the Department of Energy (DOE) must study shutoff rates, provide technical help, and report to Congress on safe home temperatures in federally assisted housing.
- Program Name Change: Renames LIHEAP to the "Home Energy Assistance Program" (HEAP) to reflect broader focus, with conforming updates in federal laws.
- Just Transition Grants: New 3-year grants to states and localities for plans that identify high-energy-use households, prioritize repairs for decarbonization (reducing carbon emissions), and partner with workforce programs or minority-owned businesses. Includes a post-grant evaluation report to Congress.
Significant Changes to Existing Law
- Funding Shift: Replaces capped appropriations (e.g., $2 billion base, $600 million contingency) with open-ended authorizations to serve all eligible households and support year-round operations, a major expansion from the current program that reaches only about 18% of eligible homes.
- Eligibility Broadening: Extends benefits beyond strict low-income thresholds, removes citizenship barriers, and adds energy burden caps and presumed eligibility (automatic qualification based on other aid programs), reducing administrative hurdles compared to current rules requiring detailed proof.
- Disaster Definitions: Adds extreme heat and cold as "major disasters" alongside traditional events like hurricanes, enabling faster aid; previously limited to natural disasters or emergencies.
- State Requirements: Mandates year-round programs, no shutoff protections tied to seasons, utility partnerships for arrears payment (without rate hikes on customers), and higher administrative allowances (from 10% to 15% of funds, with extra for outreach). Increases weatherization share and prioritizes clean energy upgrades.
- Immigration Neutrality: Explicitly states that HEAP aid is not a "federal public benefit" for immigration purposes, protecting access for non-citizens.
Potential Impacts
- On Citizens: Low- and moderate-income households (especially those spending over 15% of income on energy) could see reduced bills, fewer shutoffs (affecting 1 in 7 households currently in debt), lower risk of homelessness or health issues from extreme temperatures, and better access to cooling (currently under 3% of aid). Vulnerable groups like families with children, medical needs, or in hot/cold regions benefit most, potentially cutting sacrifices like skipping food or medicine.
- On Government Agencies: HHS and DOE face increased administrative duties, including guidance, grants, data systems, and coordination with FEMA and HUD; states must expand operations, potentially straining budgets but aided by higher funding. Local agencies gain tools for outreach but must meet new reporting and partnership rules.
- On International Relations: No direct impacts; the bill focuses domestically on energy affordability and climate adaptation.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- Low- and Moderate-Income Households: Primary beneficiaries, including over 21 million in utility debt, families facing shutoffs, and those in climate-vulnerable areas.
- State and Local Agencies: Administer programs, handle outreach, and develop plans; must comply with new rules on eligibility, data, and year-round service.
- Utility Companies (Home Energy Suppliers): Required to waive fees, avoid shutoffs, share data, and offer payment plans; gain from reduced arrears but face restrictions on cost recovery.
- Federal Agencies: HHS (lead), DOE (energy expertise), FEMA (disasters), HUD (housing standards), and Education Department (school partnerships) must collaborate on implementation, studies, and reports.
- Community and Workforce Groups: Schools, non-profits, unions, and minority/women-owned businesses involved in outreach, repairs, and training.
- Vulnerable Populations: Elderly, disabled, pregnant individuals, and those with medical devices, prioritized for heat/cold protections.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
- Legal: Strengthens anti-discrimination by barring citizenship-based exclusions and simplifying access, aligning with existing welfare laws. Prohibits utilities from passing arrears costs to customers via rate hikes, potentially leading to enforcement actions or lawsuits if violated. The bill's data collection raises privacy considerations under federal rules like HIPAA (health privacy law), though focused on aggregates.
- Constitutional: Supports the federal role in social welfare (under the general welfare clause), promoting equity without infringing on states' rights—states retain flexibility in implementation but must meet core assurances. No challenges to free speech or due process evident.
- Political: Emphasizes climate resilience and renewable energy transitions, potentially advancing national clean energy goals amid rising disasters (e.g., 135% increase in billion-dollar winter events). Could spark debates on funding levels and state burdens, but builds on bipartisan LIHEAP history by addressing modern issues like heat waves without partisan mandates.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Cosponsors (10)
Sen. Blumenthal, Richard [D-CT], Sen. Blunt Rochester, Lisa [D-DE], Sen. Booker, Cory A. [D-NJ], Sen. Gillibrand, Kirsten E. [D-NY], Sen. Padilla, Alex [D-CA], Sen. Sanders, Bernard [I-VT], Sen. Van Hollen, Chris [D-MD], Sen. Warren, Elizabeth [D-MA], Sen. Whitehouse, Sheldon [D-RI], Sen. Wyden, Ron [D-OR]
Recent Actions
- 2025-03-31: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions.
- 2025-03-31: Introduced in Senate
Bill Versions
- Heating and Cooling Relief Act — issued 2025-03-31 — PDF (31 pages)