House Bill 50, introduced by Rep. Debra Heffernan and Sen. Stephanie Hansen, aims to provide direct energy bill assistance to moderate income Delawareans struggling with increasing energy costs. The bill would create the Delaware Energy Fund, funded by CO2 allowance proceeds from the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative, to assist households earning less than 350% of the Federal Poverty Level. Additionally, funds from the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) would be increased to provide further assistance to low income residents.
The Delaware Energy Fund program would require participants to engage in energy savings and efficiency programs and would sunset after three years. The bill has been assigned to the House Natural Resources and Energy Committee.
Rep. Heffernan emphasized the necessity of immediate relief for families facing unexpected energy bill increases, while Sen. Hansen noted the impact of rising utility rates on Delmarva Power customers.
The bill has received support from various legislators and is seen as a critical first step in addressing rising energy costs in Delaware. Further actions are expected from Democratic lawmakers to protect consumers from escalating prices in the future. The programs established by HB 50 are designed to provide assistance without adding extra costs to the state.
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