Senators Collins, Reed Honored by Edison Electric Institute, International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers

EEI and IBEW presented the Senators with the John D. Dingell Award for their steadfast support for home energy assistance for low-income households.

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WASHINGTON, D.C. - The Edison Electric Institute (EEI) and the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) presented U.S. Senators Susan Collins and Jack Reed (D-RI) with the John D. Dingell Award. Named after one of the longest-serving members of Congress, this award is presented to leaders who exemplify and promote labor-management cooperation and whose efforts have helped to advance the common objectives of IBEW members and the electric power industry. Senators Collins and Reed received this recognition for their steadfast support of the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP).

"LIHEAP provides vital relief to thousands of people in Maine and millions throughout the country, helping working families and those on stable incomes avoid the constant worry of having to choose between heating their homes and covering other basic necessities," said Senator Collins. "I am honored to receive this award from EEI and IBEW for my longstanding support for LIHEAP. In bipartisan partnership with Senator Reed, we will continue to work to strengthen and support this critical program so that more families can afford keep their homes safe and warm during the harsh winter months."

"I'm honored to accept the John Dingell Award, named for a legendary public servant, and grateful to be recognized alongside my friend and colleague, Senator Susan Collins of Maine, a great legislative partner and champion for LIHEAP. Together, we have worked together to ensure that LIHEAP can continue to serve the more than 6 million households across the country who rely on it to afford their utility bills. And the strong support from EEI, IBEW, and others makes a huge difference in our ability to deliver for working families. So, thank you again for this special award and your continued advocacy," said Senator Reed.

As Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, Senator Collins secured a $20 million increase in funding for LIHEAP in the Fiscal Year 2026 (FY26) Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, bringing total program funding to $4 billion. Last November, Senators Collins, Reed, and Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) led a bipartisan group of Senators in urging the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to swiftly distribute LIHEAP funds to states. Last week, Senators Collins, Reed, and Murkowski led another letter to HHS urging the Department to release the approximately $400 million in remaining LIHEAP funds for FY26.

LIHEAP is a federally funded program that helps low-income households pay utility bills, address energy crises, and lower costs by improving home energy efficiency through weatherization. Last year, nearly six million households nationwide received LIHEAP assistance, and households in Maine received a total of $41.6 million through the program.

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