“I am hopeful that Congress will step up,” Gov. Kelly Ayotte told Executive Councilors at the State House, discussing a nationwide push for home heating assistance ahead of winter.
With home heating product costs soaring and federal assistance lagging, New Hampshire Gov. Kelly Ayotte announced she has joined the governors of all six New England states to request a $3 billion nationwide increase for the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program, indepthnh.org reported.
Speaking at the State House on Tuesday, the newly reelected Republican governor said that swift congressional action could double incoming federal heating aid for low- and moderate-income residents.
The joint gubernatorial push targets LIHEAP funding deficits as regional experts project heating costs could rise 40 to 50 percent compared to last winter. Indepthnh.org reported that New Hampshire received $30 million last year, but received only a minor allocation increase for this winter that failed to account for recent price spikes.
Five regional Community Action Program agencies distribute these funds based on fuel usage and income eligibility, which allows a family of four earning up to $90,000 or more to qualify.
CAP agencies have already processed 21,878 applications, representing roughly 1,000 more submissions than recorded at this point last year. Ayotte drafted the federal funding appeal alongside her New England counterparts, pointing to a formal letter submitted to Congress. View the governors’ joint LIHEAP letter to Congress for complete details on the $3 billion nationwide request.
“No one should have to worry about how to heat their home this winter, and Congress must act to ensure families in New Hampshire and across our region have the support they need,” Ayotte said in a statement published by indepthnh.org. Councilors from both parties agreed that keeping residents warm amid elevated food and gas prices remains a primary legislative priority.
During the same Tuesday meeting, the Executive Council authorized the New Hampshire Department of Energy to amend an existing contract with Joseph Associates, Inc. of Augusta, Maine. The amendment ensures continued cloud-based software support for LIHEAP operations, the Weatherization Assistance Program, and the Electric Assistance Program.
Executive Councilors also evaluated administrative adjustments and vendor amendments during Tuesday’s session. Indepthnh.org reported that Councilor Janet Stevens, R-Rye, questioned Department of Information Technology Commissioner Denis Goulet regarding a sole-source contract amendment with Deloitte Consulting, LLP.
The Deloitte amendment increases the contract price limitation by $11,421,871, moving the total cap from $102,169,141.12 to $113,591,012.12. The modification supports system changes within NH EASY and New HEIGHTS to implement Dual Special Needs Medicare and Medicaid Plans by January 1, 2028, while maintaining the original September 30, 2028 completion date.
| Contract / Agency | Vendor / Partner | Financial Adjustment | Target Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Medicaid / Medicare Systems | Deloitte Consulting, LLP | Increased by $11,421,871 to $113,591,012.12 | September 30, 2028 |
| Energy Assistance Software | Joseph Associates, Inc. | Contract amendment for cloud solutions | Active Operations |
“I can't underestimate the importance…of everyone involved…I don't care about money and losing elections but I do care about the people of New Hampshire,” Executive Councilor Joe Kenney, R-Wakefield, told indepthnh.org.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice.
