Overview
- Federal LIHEAP disbursements remain on hold, and HHS says it anticipates releasing about $3.7 billion by the end of November, including $100 million from prior infrastructure funds.
- Gov. Maura Healey urged President Donald Trump to release funds immediately and wrote to HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and OMB Director Russell Vought seeking full staffing and clear guidance.
- Massachusetts extended its gas and electric shutoff moratorium to April 1 and is using $13 million in carryover for emergencies, far short of the more than 150,000 households served last season.
- Sens. Jeanne Shaheen and Maggie Hassan joined a bipartisan push for rapid release, citing HHS staff cuts they say could slow processing even after funds are issued.
- Residents report delaying heat as cold sets in, energy directors note states typically receive awards in early November, and New Hampshire officials say their program can operate without disruption for now.