LIHEAP DCL 2024-01 Proposed Changes to the LIHEAP Model Plan Application for FY 25

Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program

Dear Colleague Letter

DCL#:  LIHEAP-DCL-2024-01

DATE:  October 11, 2023

TO:  All LIHEAP Grant Recipients

SUBJECT: Proposed Changes to the LIHEAP Model Plan Application for federal Fiscal Year (FY) 2025

ATTACHMENT(S):       

A. Proposed Model Plan Changes
B. LIHEAP Model Plan

Dear Colleagues,

This Dear Colleague Letter (DCL) is being sent to inform you of the Office of Community Services (OCS) current Federal Register Notice (FRN) regarding proposed changes to the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) Model Plan. OCS is requesting an extension of the current LIHEAP Model Plan form without any changes through August 31, 2024. For Fiscal Year (FY) 2025 LIHEAP Model Plan due September 1, 2024, OCS is requesting approval with substantive changes, including additional form clarification, more detailed reporting on program components, categorical eligibility, monitoring practices, and program integrity.

A draft version of the LIHEAP Model Plan and proposed changes are attached. The proposed changes require approval from the Office of Management and Budget (OMB). OCS will notify grant recipients if any changes are made to the form following OMB review.  

The FRN noted above is available for public comment.  We welcome and encourage public comment from our grant recipients and stakeholders. Following OMB’s review (and OCS making any necessary changes requested by OMB), the LIHEAP Model Plan will be available in the Online Data Collection (OLDC).

OCS will be releasing additional LIHEAP Model Plan guidance and conducting training opportunities in the spring of 2024.

For questions regarding the Model Plan, please contact your LIHEAP Regional Liaison. 

Thank you for your attention to these matters. OCS looks forward to continuing to provide high-quality services to OCS partners.

/s/
Megan Meadows
Director
Division of Energy Assistance
Office of Community Services