Rep. Cleaver Announces $78 Million for Missouri to Help Individuals and Families Lower Energy Costs This Winter

(Washington, D.C.) – Today, U.S. Representative Emanuel Cleaver, II (D-MO) announced that Missouri was awarded $78 million in funding for the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP). The funding will go toward helping low-income individuals and families pay for home heating costs this winter, cover unpaid utility bills, and make cost-effective energy repairs to lower heating and cooling bills.

The federal funding announced today is a combination of an additional $2.5 billion appropriated by Congress for LIHEAP to address rising energy costs, as well as an additional $100 million appropriated for 2024 from President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, both of which Congressman Cleaver proudly supported.

“Despite Congressional Republicans’ best effort to cut funding for this critical program that serves millions of American households each year, I am proud to announce that additional investments from President Biden and Democrats in Congress will allow this program’s services to reach additional households seeking relief and assistance in lowering costs on heating, cooling, and weatherization,” said Congressman Cleaver. “This $78 million in funding will play a vital role in lowering the number of Missourians experiencing energy-related hardships and ensures vulnerable families are able to stay safe and warm in their homes throughout the upcoming winter months. That’s a substantial win in my book, and I’m proud to have supported the legislation that made this funding possible.”

Missourians interested in applying for energy assistance can visit energyhelp.us or call the National Energy Assistance Referral (NEAR) hotline toll-free at: 1-866-674-6327. They can also find additional information and the application for LIHEAP assistance here.

Emanuel Cleaver, II is the U.S. Representative for Missouri's Fifth Congressional District, which includes Kansas City, Independence, Lee's Summit, Raytown, Grandview, Sugar Creek, Greenwood, Blue Springs, North Kansas City, Gladstone, and Claycomo. He is a member of the exclusive House Financial Services Committee and Ranking Member of the House Subcommittee on Housing and Insurance.