Temperatures are up and so are many households’ utility bills. Across the country, programs for helping low-income residents cover their energy costs are struggling to meet higher summertime demand.
Relief organizations in some states that aren’t used to widespread air-conditioning use are now grappling with extended periods of high demand. At Denver-based Energy Outreach Colorado, applications for bill payment assistance have jumped nearly 30% from the same time last year.
Because many agencies traditionally see their LIHEAP programs as offering seasonal relief for home heating costs in colder months, they often pare back aid distribution during the summer. But recent heat extremes have pushed some of the groups to transition to year-round operations.
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