Economic Security Corporation says Energy Crisis Intervention funding has run out
The Economic Security Corporation (ESC) in Joplin announced today that all funding to help people in crisis keep their utilities on has run out.
The ESC says it has exhausted all Energy Crisis Intervention Program (ECIP) funds.
Additionally, the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) officially ended on May 32, 2025.
Robin Walker of the ESC told NewsTalk KZRG:
“Last summer, we had $778,000 for the summer. This summer, we only had $150,000.”
She says this summer’s money was gone in just over three weeks.
She says no new energy assistance funds will be available until the next program year begins in October 2025 and probably would not be available for use until November.
The ESC is advising people facing difficulty with utility bills to contact the United Way who might be able to connect people with alternative resources.
Walker says the lack of money for the programs is not a result of Trump Administration cutbacks but from an end of increased COVID funding.