28 September 2005

Governor working to protect Kansans from high energy costs
Sebelius requests additional funding for Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program

As winter approaches, the threat of high energy costs looms. In a letter to Congress, Governor Kathleen Sebelius called on lawmakers to provide additional assistance to Kansas residents who are most vulnerable to a surge in energy costs.

“Even before the tragedy of Hurricane Katrina and its impact on oil and gas production, Kansans faced significant increases in energy costs this winter,” Governor Sebelius said. “We must act now to protect Kansans who may not be able to afford to heat their homes, particularly seniors and others on fixed incomes.” 

The Energy Information Administration (EIA) had previously projected consumer energy costs would rise by about 20 percent this winter.  Since Katrina, the EIA has updated its figures and is now projecting that costs will be 77 percent higher than last winter. 

“Dramatic increases in natural gas and heating oil prices will pose a challenge for Kansans as winter arrives, which is why action is needed now,” Governor Sebelius said.

State Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) programs are expecting to see a surge in applications for assistance. LIHEAP budgets will be further stretched as they attempt to meet the needs of Katrina evacuees, many of whom lost virtually everything in the storm. Additional funding will allow states to aid these newest residents and those who have traditionally relied on LIHEAP assistance.

The letter from many of the nation’s governors urged for an increase in regular LIHEAP funds significantly from current levels for Fiscal Year 2006. The recent increase in LIHEAP authorization to $5.1 billion, signed into law last month as part of the Energy Policy Act, provides adequate room for a substantial increase.