With upcoming home heating costs of concern to many Granite State residents, the Legislature passed additional funding to alleviate costs for middle-class residents.
A new group of earners — those who make between 60 and 75% of the state median income level — are eligible to apply for aid this winter. This has not been the case in the past, but anticipated high electric costs urged Legislators to focus on helping a larger pool of residents this year.
The new assistance comes in the form of a one-time $450 credit for fuel assistance and $200 in electric assistance.
“We believe these surplus funds will alleviate some of the financial pressure for New Hampshire families who would otherwise not qualify for existing assistance programs,” said House Speaker Sherman Packard, R-Londonderry.
This money comes from a $35 million spending package that allocates $25 million for emergency fuel and electric assistance and $10 million as aid for electric bills.
An additional $7 million was also approved to bolster the established low-income energy assistance program that supports earners below 60% of the state median income.
The bill passed after debates over a similar proposal from the governor was in question.
In June, Gov. Chris Sununu proposed a similar incentive — a $60 million energy relief program. Under Sununu’s program, residents would receive $100 toward electricity bills.
This spending would have come from a state surplus, which requires the Legislature’s approval. Instead, lawmakers in the House presented their own energy assistance roadmap.
The bill targets people just above the threshold of the federal program, who are still expected to be in need of assistance with an anticipated 50% increase in electric rates.
“Granite State families cannot afford the 50% increase that will hit them this fall, and this bill provides temporary relief for lower-income households that are ineligible for existing programs,” said House Democratic Leader David E. Cote (D-Nashua).
Already, residents earning below 60% of the state median income are eligible for fuel assistance programs through federal contracting.
Ahead of the winter, Leah Richards, who oversees the fuel assistance program through the Community Action Program for Belknap and Merrimack County, has seen more inquiries for the aid.
“There is more panic from people and households regarding how they will be able to balance the increased costs of everything, including electric and how to heat their home,” she said. “People are very worried.”
The Executive Council also approved a one-time $405 credit to offset electricity costs for low-income earners in July.
In order to get the credit, recipients must apply for the help. This was a major difference between Sununu’s proposal, which would have awarded $100 credits regardless of income or application.
“While this final legislation looks a little different from what we originally proposed, this is a big win,” Sununu said. “Thanks to strong fiscal management, New Hampshire is able to invest state-surplus funds to help families get through this winter.”