In 1979 I proposed a program to provide an annual total of $1.6 billion to
low-income households which are hardest hit by rising energy bills. With
the cooperation of Congress, we were able to move quickly to provide
assistance to eligible households in time to meet their winter heating
bills.
In response to the extreme heat conditions affecting many parts of the
country during 1980, I directed the Community Services Administration to
make available over $27 million to assist low-income individuals,
especially the elderly, facing life threatening circumstances due to
extreme heat.
Congress amended and reauthorized the low-income energy assistance program
for fiscal year 1981, and provided $1.85 billion to meet anticipated
increasing need. The need for a program to help low-income households with
rising energy expenses will not abate in the near future. The low-income
energy assistance program should be reauthorized to meet those needs.