Sierra Club: Government Shutdown Must Not Lead to Power Shutdowns

WASHINGTON, DC - As the federal government remains shutdown, with no re-opening date in sight, Sierra Club is urging utilities not to shut off power for people who are unable to pay their energy bills due to lack of resources from federal assistance programs, like Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP).

LIHEAP is a program that helps low-income households afford the energy they need to keep their homes safe, powered, and habitable, especially during extreme heat and cold events. The federal funds are distributed through state-based programs. Due to the government shutdown and under-staffing, states are not receiving the full disbursement of these Congressionally-appropriated funds.

In response, Director of Sierra Club's Building Electrification campaign Srinidhi Sampath Kumar released the following statement:

"Energy prices are soaring right now, making it difficult for many families to afford to keep the lights on and maintain their homes at a safe and comfortable temperature. Matters are being made much more dire due to the government shutdown and a halt of funds for programs that help low income families afford their bills. It would be irresponsible, and downright dangerous, to cut families off from power just as the weather is beginning to turn cold in many states. Utilities must commit now to keep American families connected at least until LIHEAP funds, and other federal support streams, are delivered to states and take steps to prevent any payment-related shutoffs in the future."

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About the Sierra Club

The Sierra Club is America's largest and most influential grassroots environmental organization, with millions of members and supporters. In addition to protecting every person's right to get outdoors and access the healing power of nature, the Sierra Club works to promote clean energy, safeguard the health of our communities, protect wildlife, and preserve our remaining wild places through grassroots activism, public education, lobbying, and legal action. For more information, visit https://www.sierraclub.org.