Governor Kay Ivey on Friday awarded $46.6 million in grants to assist low-income families in Alabama with energy bills.

The grants, issued to 21 community service agencies throughout the state, including Community Services Programs of West Alabama, Inc. that serves Dallas County, provide emergency funds to help low-income families heat their houses this winter.

“During the winter, many low-income families are forced to choose between staying warm in their houses or having food on their table and required prescriptions in their medicine cabinets,” Ivey said. “These grants mean that many elderly, disabled, and families with children do not have to make those choices. I am pleased to provide this assistance to help those most in need.”

The state is distributing the funds through its Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program, which helps eligible low-income households afford the energy required to heat their houses. Residents apply for assistance to local community service agencies who determine eligibility based on income, family size and available resources.

Ivey awarded the grants from funds provided to the state by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. The Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs is administering the grants.

ADECA administers a wide range of programs that support law enforcement, economic development, infrastructure upgrades, recreation, energy, water resources, job training and career development.   

“Gov. Ivey understands the critical nature of these funds in helping qualified families heat their homes during the cold weather,” ADECA Director Kenneth Boswell said. “ADECA is pleased to join with the governor to make these funds available as we enter what are typically the coldest months of the year in our state.”