The surge in oil prices has hit consumers hard, particularly low-income individuals. The program also pays for their cooling costs during the summer. Although the program historically has enjoyed bipartisan support, it was almost defunded in FY99 when the House Appropriations Committee voted it down, citing the need to spend the money on other programs. Energy costs often rise considerably during the winter, endangering those living at or near the poverty level, which makes this program indispensable. Two decades ago, the program was created to assist low-income families and seniors who were faced with massive increases in energy costs.
Many households receiving heating assistance contain either elderly residents or children.