LiHEAP applications have already surpassed last year’s totals by 7.3%. This years total stands at 4920 approved applicants through January 4th surpassing the 4824 approved applicants from the same time last year. At the current pace LiHEAP will surpass last year’s mark of 6832 total accepted applicants by 498.
Conversely LiHEAP awards are down $24 this year to around $290 creating a crisis for those receiving assistance who are dependant on deliverable fuel. With deliverable fuel prices up to over $2 per gallon for propane and $3 per gallon for fuel oil, awards have not been enough to cover fuel vender’s minimum fill requirements which can be as much as 300 gallons and who require upfront payments.
Due to a harsh early winter many rural households having already accessed the emergency fuel fill program and are still facing the potential of more extended periods of severe weather.