ICYMI: Trump Administration Cuts Will Raise Utility Costs for Low-Income Nevadans

Carson City, NV — The Trump administration fired the entire staff working in the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) within the Department of Health and Human Services, which has been helping low-income Americans save money on their utility bills since 1981. Congress previously approved $4.1 billion for the program for fiscal year 2025.

“Far too many Americans already struggle to pay their utility bills, and the Trump administration’s reckless cuts are making the problem infinitely worse,” said Western States Director Tiffany Hsieh. “Forcing Nevadans to make the impossible choice between putting food on the table and cooling their home in 100-plus degree weather isn’t eliminating waste—it’s callous and cruel. For decades, LIHEAP has served as a lifeline for tens of thousands low-income Nevadans. Firing the program’s entire staff sends the message that President Trump doesn’t care if Nevadans already struggling to make ends meet are able to afford air conditioning this summer.”

In fiscal year 2023, Nevada received more than $29 million from the LIHEAP, federal aid that helped over 12,000 households pay for cooling and heating. That includes 11,556 households with reported average benefits of $1,860 per household. In 2024, Nevada’s LIHEAP funding was cut down to $17 million—even as climate change fuels longer, hotter summers and Nevada breaks records for heat-related deaths.

Nevadans struggling to pay their utility bills will be directly harmed by the Trump administration firing LIHEAP’s entire staff. Families relying on box fans and window units can’t afford to lose this support. Cuts to federal health and energy programs don’t just impact the budget—they lead to more ER visits, missed work, and heat stroke deaths.

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