APIA cuts heating assistance 20% for 10 Aleutian and Pribilof communities

The Aleutian Pribilof Islands Association is cutting heating assistance awards by 20 percent for eligible households in its energy assistance service area, reducing its benefit matrix from $125 per point to $100 per point for the 2027 season.

The cut affects Alaska Native households in ten communities along the Aleutian Chain and Pribilof Islands: Akutan, Atka, False Pass, King Cove, Nelson Lagoon, Nikolski, Sand Point, St. George, St. Paul, and Unalaska. A household that received $1,000 last season will receive $800 in 2027. Every tier falls by the same 20 percent.

APIА says the reduction is necessary to stretch current funding across a larger forecasted number of eligible households. Award amounts will rise only if additional LIHEAP or CSBG supplemental funding comes through. The 2027 CSBG plan, available for public comment alongside the LIHEAP plan, is an application for new supplemental Energy Assistance funding.

What the Program Covers

The LIHEAP program runs Oct. 1, 2026, through Sept. 30, 2027. Heating and winter crisis assistance is available Nov. 1 through April 30. The maximum heating benefit is $1,400. Priority processing goes to households with members aged 60 or older, individuals with disabilities, and children five and younger.

How to Comment

The public comment period runs through Aug. 15, 2027. Comments will be recorded and considered for plan changes. Written comments can be submitted by email to [email protected], by fax to 907-222-9711, or by mail to 1131 E International Airport Rd, Anchorage, AK 99518. Phone or in-person meetings can be scheduled by calling 907-276-2700 or toll-free at 800-478-2742.