A federal program that helps low-income families pay energy bills is facing uncertainty amid the government shutdown.
SACRAMENTO COUNTY, Calif. — A federal program that helps vulnerable people keep their lights on is facing an uncertain future if the government shutdown continues.
The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) provides energy bill assistance and home weatherization to help families stay cool during summer and warm in winter.
Advocates describe the program as a lifeline for families across the country; however, the government shutdown has created uncertainty about its future, as funds are generally distributed to states around this time.
“LIHEAP programs across the country are operating right now on any remaining funds that they carried over from 2025. Some have none,” said Katrina Metzler, the executive director for the National Energy and Utility Affordability Coalition.
Metzler adds that any communication with the federal partners has also been stymied, as many Health and Human Services workers who oversee the program have been furloughed.
“Every state is reacting a little bit differently and figuring out how to move forward in their own way with very little guidance, and again, we’re kind of building the plane as we’re flying it. We’ve never been in this situation before,” Metzler said.
According to U.S. Energy Information Administration data, California residents paid an average of over 30 cents per kilowatt-hour in December 2024.
Over 150,000 households received help through the program to help pay utility bills last year. In 2025, the state received over $239 million, according to the California Department of Community Services and Development.
CDS officials said the leading solution to the uncertainty would be to end the government shutdown, and any future delays could have tangible impacts on vulnerable Californians.
In Sacramento County, about 10,000 families and individuals relied on LIHEAP last year. The program is overseen by the Community Resource Project, and its executive director, Wilfredo Cruz Jr., said their program is fortunate to have funds that should last for the rest of the year.
“We can only do what we can do in terms of funding. So, we’ll continue to operate as long as we have funding,” Cruz said.
In the meantime, Cruz advises anyone who needs assistance to apply, as aid is distributed on a first-come, first-served basis.