04 Apr LIHEAP Update
(April 4, 2025) This week, all Federal staff responsible for managing the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) were laid off. Funding for LIHEAP has been appropriated and we want to assure our community we are continuing to provide these critically important services. We are staying up-to-date on developments and will share those, as necessary.
LIHEAP is a proven, results-driven initiative that helps hard-working American families afford essential heating and cooling services. The LIHEAP Energy Crisis Intervention Program (ECIP) provides utility assistance and relief for eligible households which are facing a crisis such as a disconnection. Since November 1, 2024, OACAC’s LIHEAP office has processed applications for 3,294 households. Of these, 1,919 were to households with elderly and/or disabled residents. The LIHEAP Energy Assistance Program (EA) provides a one-time payment for assistance with winter heating costs. Since November 1, 2024, OACAC’s LIHEAP office has assisted 12,589 households in Southwest Missouri with EA. Of these, 8,709 were households with elderly and/or disabled applicants.
“LIHEAP plays a critical role in supporting our community—especially seniors and families—by helping them manage the cost of essential utility services. Each year, approximately 4,000 of our customers rely on this assistance to keep their lights on, homes warm, and basic services connected. Utilities aren’t luxuries; they’re necessities,” stated Cindy Shipley with City Utilities. “No one should have to choose between paying a utility bill and putting food on the table or purchasing medication. LIHEAP ensures that during times of financial hardship, families don’t spiral further into crisis. It’s more than just help with a bill—it’s about stability, dignity, and wellbeing.”
Nationwide, in 2023, LIHEAP prevented energy disconnections or reconnected households 2.75 million times. Energy assistance helped lift 34,000 children and 68,000 older adults out of poverty. LIHEAP plays a crucial role in helping income-constrained families afford energy costs, prevention disconnections, and improving energy efficiency, ultimately impacting poverty levels and enhancing the overall well-being and safety of vulnerable households. (https://neuac.org)
LIHEAP payments go directly to local utility companies, ensuring that businesses remain stable while keeping families focused on building financial independence. Craig Huff with Southwest Electric Cooperative stated, “The relationships we have built with the team at OACAC have made it very smooth to get the correct information to them and for us to be able to refer members to them. This helps speed up the process of getting the proper paperwork filed so the member can get the assistance they need to either keep from being disconnected or getting them reconnected in a timely matter.”
To apply, visit https://oac.ac/liheap-energy-programs/ to access the 2025 application. Applicants may also pick up an application at the OACAC Central Office in Springfield, at any OACAC CSBG Neighborhood/Community Center, or call (417) 864-3460 to request one be mailed.
