Special to the Enquirer  

MONTGOMERY— Gov. Kay Ivey has awarded grants totaling $1.29 million to help low-income households with home energy costs. 

The grants will enable 18 community service agencies to provide funding to help low-income families heat and cool their homes. 

Of the funds awarded, $69,061 was granted to the Community Action Partnership of North Alabama Inc. That serves Cullman, Lawrence, Marion, Morgan and Winston counties. 

“As these record hot summer months continue, many low-income residents may struggle to afford higher electric bills along with other expenses,” Gov. Ivey said. “These grants provide additional funding to assist in lowering cooling costs for many of them.”  

Gov. Ivey awarded the grants to 18 community agencies that manage the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program at the local level and receive applications from individuals who wish to be considered for assistance according to U.S. Department of Health and Human Services guidelines. 

The Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs is administering the grants from funds made available by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services through the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. These grants are supplemental to grant funds of $26 million awarded by Gov. Ivey through the state’s yearly LIHEAP allocation earlier this year. 

“ADECA joins Gov. Ivey in supporting those who most need assistance during this time,” ADECA Director Kenneth Boswell said. “Our partnerships with local community agencies ensure that many who truly need assistance receive help with high utility bills.”