Fears of heat-rationing for millions in US as shutdown delays energy aid

Most vulnerable families could be without critical energy assistance, experts warn, as electricity and gas bills surgeMillions of Americans face having to ration heating this winter as the US federal government shutdown and mass layoffs by the Trump administration cause unprecedented delays in getting energy assistance aid to low-income households, a group that helps people pay energy bills has warned.Congress approved about $4bn for the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (Liheap), after Trump’s proposal to cancel the life-saving heating and cooling scheme in this year’s budget was ultimately unsuccessful. Continue reading...