Bill > S959

This bill establishes a new annual extreme heat energy assistance program in Massachusetts to help low-income residents pay their energy bills during the summer months (May 15 to September 30). The program will be administered by the executive office of housing and livable communities in coordination with the department of energy resources, and will provide assistance to residents earning no more than 150% of the federal poverty guideline or 60% of the state median income, whichever is higher. It will also cover residents already eligible for the Low-income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP). The program will use the same grantee agencies, application processes, and verification procedures as LIHEAP, with benefit rates set to ensure total benefits do not exceed the appropriated amount. Up to 10% of the allocated funds can be used for administrative costs. The executive office is required to develop implementing rules and regulations within 6 months of the act's effective date, ensuring a structured approach to providing critical energy bill support during potentially expensive summer cooling months.

Budget and Finance, Housing and Urban Affairs

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/S959