Dr. Tamara Holmes of DHCD told the panel the Housing Innovations and Energy Efficiency (HIE) funds have supported affordable and weatherization-deferral programs, investing roughly $274 million in the Affordable Special Needs Housing program and about $45 million in weatherization-deferral work between 2021–2023.

Utility representatives described monthly bill-credit programs (USF, Shares, Lifeline), energy audits and weatherization subsidies for residents and businesses, and said the company is starting a solar program in partnership with Edison.

PUC staff told lawmakers their Act 142 review recommends increasing the per-gallon fuel tax to fund expanded weatherization, and considering general-fund support for LIHEAP; the commission stopped short of recommending a mandatory statewide discounted utility rate because of administrative burdens and uneven uptake.

Officials from the Office of Economic Opportunity and Department for Children and Families told the committee that core DOE weatherization grants and LIHEAP operations continue but that ARPA‑funded home‑repair pools that help prepare units for weatherization will expire by FY2026. OEO said the IRA 'Homes' award (~$29M) is approved by DOE but awaits