Addressing Rising Energy Costs in Virginia: Programs for Energy Efficiency and Financial Relief for Low-Income Households

2023-08-21 10:18:50

Virginians are feeling the pinch from rising energy prices, rising 5% between 2021 and 2022, according to the Energy Information Administration. This, added to an inflation rate of 8%, has resulted in a total increase of 13% in electricity bills, marking the highest growth since 1984.

One of the factors contributing to high utility bills is the COVID-19 pandemic, which has resulted in many people running up large balances while prioritizing paying for necessities like rent, food, and medicine. As a result, utility companies have resumed disconnections, further exacerbating the energy burden faced by low-income homeowners.

To address rising energy costs and promote a more sustainable future, there are programs available to help homes become more energy efficient. For example, the Weatherization Assistance Program helps low-income homeowners make their homes more energy efficient and weather resistant.

Additionally, utility companies such as Appalachian Power and Dominion Energy offer their own weatherization programs, which may include energy audits to identify areas where homes are losing heat or air conditioning. These programs aim to implement cost-saving measures to alleviate energy burdens.

In November, the Percentage of Earnings Payment Scheme will be introduced by the Department of Social Services and the Department of Housing and Community Development. This plan, established in response to the Virginia Clean Economy Act passed in 2020, aims to make energy more affordable and reduce energy burdens for low-income Virginians.

Under this plan, eligible individuals will have their electric bill payments limited to no more than 6% of their annual income if their heating source is anything other than electricity. If the heating source is electricity, the limit will be no more than 10% of your annual income.

As Virginians continue to face rising energy costs, these programs provide much-needed relief by promoting energy efficiency and reducing the financial burden on low-income households.

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