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H 1495

An Act providing for energy assistance during the summer months

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Natalie Blais and 6 co-sponsors

Creates an annual Extreme Heat Energy Assistance Program to help LIHEAP-eligible Massachusetts residents with summer energy bills May 15–Sept 30.

Bill reported favorably by committee and referred to the committee on House Ways and Means
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Bill Summary · H 1495

Summary of H.1495: An Act providing for energy assistance during the summer months

Purpose and intent

H.1495 would create a new annual Extreme Heat Energy Assistance Program to help Massachusetts residents pay energy bills during the summer months (May 15 – September 30). The program is designed for households with low or moderate incomes, using thresholds tied to federal poverty guidelines and state median income, and for those already eligible for LIHEAP. The aim is to alleviate energy cost burdens during periods of extreme heat.

Key provisions

  • Program and administration

    • Establishes an annual Extreme Heat Energy Assistance Program within the Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities (EOHLC) in coordination with the Department of Energy Resources (DOER).
    • Administration is subject to appropriation and may be run in coordination with the Low-income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP).
    • The EOHLC must promulgate rules and regulations within 6 months of the act’s effective date.

  • Eligibility and beneficiaries

    • Eligible residents include those earning no more than either:
    • 150% of the federal poverty guideline (as defined by the federal government), or
    • 60% of the state median income,
    • whichever of the two thresholds is greater.
    • Also limited to residents already found eligible for LIHEAP.

  • Funding, benefits, and administration costs

    • Benefits are funded to the extent of appropriations; total benefits cannot exceed the amount appropriated for this program.
    • The program may use the same grantee agencies, applications, and verification procedures as LIHEAP to the maximum extent possible.
    • Up to 10% of funds may be used for administrative costs.

  • Coordination with LIHEAP

    • May coordinate with LIHEAP or its successor programs under 42 U.S.C. § 8621 et seq., leveraging existing administrative structures and processes.

Beneficiaries and impact

  • Targeted beneficiaries are Massachusetts residents facing energy-bill burdens during hot months, particularly those with income at or below the specified thresholds and/or LIHEAP-eligible households.
  • The program is intended to provide timely assistance to reduce energy costs when temperatures drive higher usage for cooling.

Timeline and procedural details

  • Effective date and rulemaking: Effective date not specified in the summary; regulations to be promulgated within 6 months of enactment.
  • Operational period: May 15 to September 30 each year.
  • Legislative actions (selected):
    • Referred to Housing: February 27, 2025
    • Senate concurrence: February 27, 2025
    • Hearing scheduled: July 23, 2025 (1:00 PM – 5:00 PM)
    • Reporting date extended: October 31, 2025
    • Reported favorably by committee and referred to House Ways and Means: November 6, 2025

Related bills

  • Related: HD 2496 (replaces)

This summary captures the bill’s core purpose, eligibility criteria, funding mechanics, administration, and key procedural steps, focusing on the substantive changes proposed to energy assistance during the summer months.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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