The funds are being distributed so as to give priority to states most affected by increases in heating oil prices. Requested that refiners defer routine maintenance turnarounds, subject to safety requirements, so that heating oil production remains at full throttle until the home heating oil problem has passed. Urged eligible utilities to switch from heating oil to natural gas. Initiated a DOE s Energy Information Administration and Office of Policy study on the impact of interruptible contracts on home heating oil supply. Such contracts direct gas customers to switch from gas to other fuels when the temperature drops below certain levels, to reduce peak demand for gas.
States determine eligibility and benefit levels based on federal law.
Approximately 4 million low-income households receive assistance each year. The President determines when an emergency warrants the release of these funds, and directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to release the funds to the States. DOE s Weatherization Assistance Program reduces the heating and cooling costs for low-income Americans by improving the energy efficiency of their homes while ensuring their health and safety. The President is calling on Congress to fund his original request for weatherization. To date, 4.7 million homes have been weatherized, however, more than 29 million households are eligible for weatherization services.