The National Energy Assistance Directors Association selected Congresswoman Diana Degette of Colorado’s 1st district to receive the 2023 NEADA Congressional Award. This longstanding reward recognizes Members of the House and Senate that are dedicated to ensuring low income households have access to affordable energy through the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program.
NEADA selected Congresswoman Degette in order to recognize her longstanding support for the program, in particular her recent efforts to strengthen and expand LIHEAP through the Heating and Cooling Relief Act of 2023, and her efforts in the Energy and Commerce Committee to investigate high arrearage and shutoff rates during the pandemic and utility efforts to support low income households during the period of high prices this winter. Thanks in part to Congresswoman Degette’s efforts, LIHEAP was able to expand its reach during the pandemic, making sure low-income households had access to home heating and cooling while they sheltered in place.
NEADA Treasurer and Colorado LEAP Manager Theresa Kullen presented Congresswoman Degette the award at the Congresswoman’s office in Denver.