Governor Lynch, Lawmakers Announce Action Plan to Help Keep New Hampshire Families Warm this Winter

FROM THE OFFICE OF THE GOVERNOR

September 15, 2008

Contact: Communications Director
Office of the Governor
603-271-2121


CONCORD - Gov. John Lynch and a bipartisan group of lawmakers today announced they will take up special legislation on September 24, which will provide additional funding for heating assistance and weatherization to help New Hampshire families keep warm this winter.

“We are coming together to help our families stay warm this winter. This plan increases funding for the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program and expands our weatherization program, which will help low-income families save money by reducing their energy needs,” Gov. Lynch said. “Now I call on the federal government to do its own part and increase funding for the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program.”

The state’s action plan includes legislation:

Providing up to $10 million to augment New Hampshire’s expected federal allotment for the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program. New Hampshire expects about $27.5 million in LIHEAP funding. State funds will be repaid by any federal LIHEAP appropriations received this year above the expected funding of $27.5 million. Providing $1.2 million to increase the state’s weatherization efforts. The funds are being advanced from the expected proceeds of the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative Auction. State law provides for at least 10 percent of RGGI auction proceeds to be used for low-income programs. Also, the state will utilize $860,000 from existing energy efficiency programs managed by the PUC in an effort to accelerate income-eligible weatherization programs for this year.

In addition, citizens can find information on how to stay warm this winter at the http://www.staywarmnh.org Web site. The Web site provides citizens information on steps they can take to reduce their heating costs and bills this year, as well as how they can apply for assistance.

The state is also partnering with the New Hampshire Charitable Foundation to coordinate volunteers, citizen and corporate fundraising to expand and accelerate our weatherization capabilities. Citizens who wish to volunteer can learn more at http://www.staywarmnh.org website.

“This winter is going to be harder on some of our citizens than others. I ask everyone to take steps to ensure your homes are ready for the approaching cold weather, and that you take the time to reach out to someone you know may be in need,” Gov. Lynch said. “If we are to ensure our families stay warm this winter, we must work together. We must not leave anyone out in the cold.”