119th (2025–2027)
H.R. 2486
The Heating and Cooling Relief Act expands federal assistance for home heating and cooling costs to low-income households, significantly increasing funding and access to support. The bill raises federal funding for the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program to cover all eligible households (currently serving only 18%), adds $2 billion annually for cooling assistance starting in 2026, and broadens eligibility to families earning up to 250% of the poverty level while removing citizenship documentation requirements. Key protections include prohibiting utility shutoffs and late fees for two years after assistance is received, requiring states to establish extreme heat action plans and weatherization/retrofit programs for low-income housing, and creating a new "just transition grants" program to help states reduce energy costs and transition away from fossil fuels. The bill also mandates streamlined enrollment across federal programs, year-round program operations with online applications, and requires states to work toward an affordability goal where households spend no more than 3% of income on home energy costs.