Heating and Cooling Relief Act

The Heating and Cooling Relief Act expands the federal program that helps families pay their home energy bills. It aims to make energy affordable, prevent shutoffs, and help communities handle extreme heat and cold. It also renames the program from LIHEAP to the Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) . Lawmakers cite rising energy debt and growing heat risks as key reasons for action, noting that many eligible families don’t receive help today, especially for cooling.

Key points

• Who is affected: Low- and moderate-income households; people in disaster areas or during extreme heat/cold; families with children and people who rely on electric medical devices; and renters in federally assisted housing where safe indoor temperatures matter .
• Eligibility and sign-up: More people qualify (up to 250% of the poverty level or 80% of state median income), with easier enrollment using data-sharing, no proof of citizenship required, and self-attestation when needed; online applications must be available within 5 years .
• Protections and utility rules: Strong consumer protections include no shutoffs for two years after a household gets help; late fees paused for six months before and after aid and refunded if charged; utilities must include HEAP info in late notices, share arrears data with the state, and create a low‑income payment program within two years .
• Year‑round and extreme‑weather help: Households can get both heating and cooling help in the same year without a medical note; aid can include efficient air conditioners; states and FEMA/HHS can provide energy help during declared disasters, including extreme heat or cold; states must make extreme‑heat action plans within a year .
• Home upgrades and clean energy: More funds can go to weatherization and urgent home repairs, with priority to replace fossil‑fuel appliances with efficient electric options and support community solar access; a three‑year “just transition” grant program helps reduce high energy burdens while moving away from fossil fuels .
• Affordability goal and funding: The bill sets a goal that eligible families pay no more than about 3% of their income on home energy, and authorizes ongoing funding, including $1 billion per year starting in 2026 for new grants .

When

• Many actions happen within 1 year of enactment (federal guidance and state extreme‑heat plans). Utilities must launch low‑income payment programs within 2 years, and states must offer online applications within 5 years. Some new grants are funded starting in fiscal year 2026 .