SANTA FE – As temperatures continue to drop around New Mexico, Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham and the Human Services Department reminds homeowners and renters to apply for the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), which helps low-income families and individuals pay home heating costs in the winter and necessary cooling costs in the summer.

Under this administration, New Mexico has provided a record amount, $73,927,065 in energy assistance to approximately 200,963 low-income New Mexico households in the last three years.

“LIHEAP is more important than ever for people struggling with their utility bills during the cold winter months,” Gov. Lujan Grisham said. “No New Mexican family should have to choose between paying for heat or forgoing other necessities like food or medicine, and we are – and will continue to be – here to help.”

LIHEAP provides qualified New Mexico residents with a one-time, annual payment toward heating and electric bills. The funding pays a portion of energy costs determined by household size, income and energy costs. The benefit is usually paid directly to the energy supplier. Eligibility is based on household size and the gross annual income of every household member, 18 years of age or older.