RALEIGH, N.C. — The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS) is inviting residents to review and comment on the state’s proposed Federal Fiscal Year 2027 Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) Block Grant Plan.
The LIHEAP program provides eligible low-income households with assistance for heating costs, energy-related emergencies and weatherization services. The program is funded through a federal block grant that allows states to develop and administer their own plans within guidelines established by the federal government.
The proposed FFY2027 plan outlines how North Carolina intends to use LIHEAP funding during the federal fiscal year, which runs from Oct. 1, 2026, through Sept. 30, 2027. The U.S. Administration for Children and Families gave North Carolina the option to use last year’s plan as a foundation while making necessary updates for the coming year.
The draft plan will be available for public review from July 31 through Aug. 7, 2026, on the NCDHHS Division of Social Services website as well as on the websites of all 100 county Departments of Social Services.
NCDHHS will also host a virtual public hearing on Friday, Aug. 7, at 9 a.m., to present the proposed plan and answer questions from the public. Registration is required to participate in the webinar, and registered participants will receive a confirmation email with instructions for joining the meeting.
The public comment period will remain open until 5 p.m. on Friday, Aug. 7. Residents are encouraged to submit feedback on the proposed plan before the deadline.
LIHEAP helps thousands of North Carolina families each year by reducing the financial burden of home heating costs, assisting with energy-related crises and supporting weatherization efforts that improve energy efficiency and lower utility expenses.
State officials encourage interested residents, stakeholders and community organizations to review the proposed plan and provide comments as part of the public input process.
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