Vermont LIHEAP Gets $7 Million

The state of Vermont has moved $7 million to the state’s LIHEAP by borrowing $3.5 million from the state Department of Corrections and transferring $3.5 million from the state's Weatherization Trust Fund, which has a surplus. The idea was originally proposed by Gov. Jim Douglas and it won support from legislators and other state officials. The state also has the authority to move up to another $3.2 million into LIHEAP if more federal funds aren’t made available.

The Weatherization Trust Fund, established in 1990, is funded by a 0.5 percent gross receipts tax on regulated utilities and all fuels except wood. Reauthorization in 1996 contained provisions for LIHEAP to borrow money from the trust fund and other state sources if federal LIHEAP funds are insufficient. The trust fund normally supplements the state’s Weatherization Assistance Program at about $3 to $4 million per year.

The $7 million will mean the state's LIHEAP program has close to the same purchasing power as it did last year, supporters said. The state is expecting a record number of people to seek help because the cost of heating has increased dramatically. Home- heating oil averaged $2.48 a gallon in Vermont in November, compared to $2.02 a year ago. Propane rose from $1.91 a gallon last year to $2.25, and kerosene went from $2.25 to $2.88.

Source: Governor’s office and state newspapers

Page Last Updated: September 24, 2009