Shaheen Joins Bipartisan Effort Amid Rising Energy Costs

In the wake of soaring energy prices nationwide due to the conflict in Iran under President Trump’s administration, U.S. Senator Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) has aligned with eighteen fellow senators in a bipartisan letter to U.S. Secretary of Energy Chris Wright. The group is calling for the release of close to $360 million earmarked for the Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP) and an additional $66 million meant for the State Energy Program (SEP).

These programs are instrumental in aiding residents of New Hampshire – often referred to as Granite Staters – in managing their utility bills. Senator Shaheen has been a vocal supporter of WAP, a program designed to lessen the energy costs for low-income families in New Hampshire. Additionally, she advocates for SEP, aimed at supporting states in establishing energy efficiency and the use of renewable energy sources.

In part, the collective of Senators asserted: “WAP and SEP provide vital formula funding to all 50 states, five territories, and the District of Columbia to address energy affordability, reliability, and security. WAP provides states with funding to weatherize homes for low-income Americans, saving participants on average $372 on utility bills every year. Conserving energy helps participating households devote their income to other essentials such as food and medicine. SEP provides funding to help states improve energy security, increase energy efficiency, and boost economic growth.”

They further elaborated on the impact of the Department of Energy’s (DOE) delays in releasing these funds. Typically, the DOE releases annual Weatherization Program Notices in December of the preceding year and State Energy Program grant applications in February. This schedule allows for adequate planning by state offices, public commentary periods, and DOE approval ahead of the planned program year start dates of April 1 and July 1. However, this guidance has not been released, impeding state offices from developing and submitting their plans, and causing unease related to program timelines, targets, and workforce planning. The Senators cautioned that a continuous delay could lead to serious program interruptions, including state program pauses and potential layoffs for subgrantees and home weatherization contractors.

The letter concluded with a strong appeal: “To avoid further delays to program start dates, we urge you to not only immediately release this guidance, but to also speed state application approvals and the release of appropriated funds […] By expeditiously deploying WAP and SEP formula funds, the Department can make an important difference in improving the reliability of the grid and in helping reduce the burden on Americans who struggle to pay their energy bills.”

The complete letter is available for review HERE.

Throughout her congressional tenure, Senator Shaheen has relentlessly pursued clean energy and energy efficiency investments to help Granite Staters save money on their utility bills. She was a key backer of the Inflation Reduction Act and a lead negotiator in the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, both of which have made significant investments in energy efficiency and reducing home energy bills. In the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, Shaheen was instrumental in securing an additional $3.5 billion for WAP, including $18 million specifically for New Hampshire. Recently, Shaheen called on the Trump Administration to release the remaining funds for the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program, helping low-income households manage utility bills, respond to energy crises, and lower costs by improving home energy efficiency through weatherization. Last year, Shaheen and the New Hampshire Congressional delegation urged the Department of Energy to promptly release the remaining $9 million in weatherization funding from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.