Health and Family Services Community Based Services Energy
Actual FY 2024Actual FY 2025Revised FY 2026Recommended FY 2027Recommended FY 2028
SOURCE OF FUNDS
Restricted Funds
Balance Forward5,209
Current Receipts(5,209)
Total Restricted Funds
Federal Fund
Balance Forward493,498629,111(1,464,200)
Current Receipts66,709,34359,761,41161,464,20059,997,90059,998,900
Total Federal Fund67,202,84160,390,52160,000,00059,997,90059,998,900
TOTAL SOURCE OF FUNDS67,202,84160,390,52160,000,00059,997,90059,998,900
EXPENDITURES BY CLASS
Personnel Costs118,06869,55956,40061,90062,900
Operating Expenses14,72317,08018,70024,10024,100
Grants Loans Benefits66,440,93861,768,05259,924,90059,911,90059,911,900
TOTAL EXPENDITURES66,573,73061,854,69060,000,00059,997,90059,998,900
EXPENDITURES BY FUND SOURCE
Federal Fund66,573,73061,854,69060,000,00059,997,90059,998,900
TOTAL EXPENDITURES66,573,73061,854,69060,000,00059,997,90059,998,900

The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), authorized by PL 94-385 and 921 KAR 4:116, is a federally subsidized program that assists low-income households to meet the cost of energy expenses. Eligibility criteria include income that does not exceed 130 percent of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL), resources which total less than $2,000 except when a household member has a catastrophic illness, in which case applicants may have as much as $4,000 in liquid resources to be readily accessed on a regular basis for living and medical expenses, and the responsibility for home heating expenses. This program is divided into two components. The subsidy component operates in November and December to assist recipients with home heating costs for which they are responsible either by direct payment or as an undesignated portion of their rent. The crisis component operates from early January until the middle of March or until all funds are expended to assist eligible households experiencing a home energy emergency involving imminent loss of heating energy. Services include accepting applications, determining eligibility, implementing outreach components, and coordinating this program with other energy assistance initiatives. Extrapolations from the most recent census data report that over 537,000 Kentucky households are eligible for assistance based on income levels that do not exceed 130% FPL.

Federal program rules also allow the use of a portion of the state's LIHEAP grant for the weatherization assistance program; a federally funded program to help low-income households meet the cost of energy expenses through energy conservation repairs to their homes. It is designed to reduce energy consumption, lower heating bills, and ensure the health and safety of those whose annual income is at or below 200 percent of FPL. Funds are provided to conduct energy audits, heat system safety tests and repairs, reduce air infiltration, install insulation, and perform other energy-related conservation measures. While a house is allowed to receive this assistance only one time, a dwelling may be re-weatherized if this service was provided prior to October 1, 1993.

The weatherization assistance program was co-housed with LIHEAP in the DCBS energy budget until April 2009, when it was reorganized to the Finance and Administration Cabinet (FAC), where the Kentucky Housing Corporation (KHC) is designated to administer the program. During the 2024-2026 biennium, DCBS anticipates transfer of 15% of the state LIHEAP allocation to KHC for weatherization activities performed in accordance with a combination of LIHEAP and Department of Energy rules.

The summer cooling program is only offered when additional federal or state funds are available. It provides eligible households with a one-time payment to the household cooling (electric) provider. Air conditioners may be provided for households where residents are at a risk for health problems associated with excess heat.

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