Bill > H1495

This bill establishes an 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 operated by the executive office of housing and livable communities in coordination with the department of energy resources, and will provide assistance to residents earning up to 150% of the federal poverty guideline or 60% of the state median income, whichever is higher, as well as those 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 to the extent possible, and will set benefit rates to ensure total benefits do not exceed the appropriated amount. The executive office can use up to 10% of the program's funds for administrative costs. The bill requires the executive office to develop implementing regulations within 6 months of the act's effective date, creating a new form of seasonal energy assistance specifically designed to help residents during extreme heat periods.

Budget and Finance, Housing and Urban Affairs

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/H1495