Energy Assistance Funding Falls By $1.2 Million

Lane County’s Low-Income Household Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) opened limited waitlists Monday morning after receiving long-delayed federal funding for fiscal year 2026, county officials said.

The funding, which had been held up by a recent federal government shutdown, will be about $1.2 million less than what Lane County received last year, significantly constraining the amount of help available to households struggling to pay utility bills.

The Lane County Human Services Division began preparing for the new funding in December. On December 10, applications were mailed to past LIHEAP recipients who are 60 years and older and to households receiving disability payments. County officials urged those residents to return their applications as quickly as possible.

Beginning at 9 a.m. on January 5, ten local partner agencies across the region began accepting direct phone calls and online sign-ups to place households on LIHEAP waitlists. Officials warned that the waitlists were expected to fill within minutes due to high demand and limited resources.

Additional waitlist openings are scheduled for February 2, and some agencies maintain rolling openings as funding and capacity allow.

Residents seeking assistance or more information about eligibility, waitlist sign-ups and other local utility assistance programs can visit the county’s energy assistance webpage or call Lane County Human Services at 541-682-3378.