Heatwaves and hardship: Shortcomings and solutions for enhancing the low income home energy assistance program to mitigate extreme heat and energy insecurity

Abstract

The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) must adapt and evolve to keep pace with the challenges posed by climate change and increased economic strain. Urgent action is needed to improve LIHEAP to effectively address extreme heat and energy insecurity faced by low-income households and protect the health and well-being of disadvantaged groups spurred by climate change. In evaluating LIHEAP’s shortcomings, we demonstrate that there is a substantial gap between program eligibility and enrollment, such that many households are not receiving this vital benefit or do so mainly when facing a crisis. We also show that LIHEAP funds overwhelmingly support cold-weather states even as record-breaking heat is a critical stressor. The spatial mismatch we unveil shows that southern states receive less LIHEAP funds despite higher cooling degree days and higher rates of energy insecurity. The importance of swift action based on sound data and up-to-date research can enhance the efficacy of LIHEAP, expand its reach, and ultimately improve the living conditions of millions of energy insecure households. We offer several recommendations to improve LIHEAP to ensure that this critical lifeline program remains an effective tool to mitigate energy insecurity and safeguard livelihoods in the face of extreme heat.