In early November, the Metropolitan Housing Coalition, along with more than 45 organizations across the commonwealth, submitted a letter to Gov. Beshear asking for a moratorium on utility disconnections during the government shutdown. The shutdown is over, but LIHEAP (Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program) funds that help many Kentuckians keep warm in the winter remain in danger.
Kentucky is currently experiencing an energy affordability crisis where 1 in 3 Kentuckians struggle to afford their monthly energy bill. In Louisville, 18% of residents are energy burdened, spending more than 6% of their income on energy each month. These burdens fall hardest on housing burdened communities already experiencing high poverty.
Many Kentuckians are struggling to pay their electric bills and are forced to continually make tough choices, often foregoing food or medicine, keeping their homes at uncomfortable temperatures or using risky supplemental heating sources in order to afford their power bill. High energy costs can strain household budgets, reduce disposable income and can put households at risk of being disconnected due to unpaid bills. Tenants who have disconnections on their electric and gas bill history may be evicted, denied future leases and unable to access utility services…