Report on Virginia’s Cooling Assistance Program and Alignment with Sustainable Development Goals

Introduction: Program Overview

The Virginia Department of Social Services (VDSS) has announced the continuation of its cooling assistance initiative through the Virginia Energy Assistance Program (EAP). This program, funded by the federal Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), provides critical support to vulnerable households. The initiative directly addresses several United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by ensuring access to essential services for health, well-being, and economic stability. Applications for the current year are being accepted until August 15.

Alignment with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

The Virginia EAP is a key mechanism for advancing progress on multiple SDGs within the Commonwealth:

• SDG 1 (No Poverty) & SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities): The program provides direct financial relief to low-income households, alleviating the economic burden of essential energy costs. By specifically targeting households with young children, older adults, and individuals with disabilities, the program actively works to reduce inequalities and provide a social safety net for the most vulnerable populations.
• SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being): Access to cooling is a critical public health issue, particularly during periods of extreme heat. The program safeguards the health of at-risk individuals by preventing heat-related illnesses, thereby promoting well-being and reducing strain on healthcare systems.
• SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy) & SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities): The initiative makes energy for cooling more affordable, a primary target of SDG 7. By funding repairs to existing systems and the purchase of more modern, potentially energy-efficient equipment, the program supports the goal of creating safe, resilient, and sustainable living environments as outlined in SDG 11.

Program Eligibility and Services

Eligibility Criteria

To qualify for assistance, households must meet specific criteria designed to support those most at risk:

1. Household Composition: The household must include at least one individual from a vulnerable group, such as a child aged six or younger, an adult aged 60 or older, or an individual living with a disability.
2. Income Requirements: The household’s gross monthly income must fall within established limits.

VDSS encourages all potentially eligible households to apply for a formal determination.

Available Assistance

The program offers a range of services to address different cooling needs, contributing to both immediate relief and long-term energy stability:

• Payment of electric bills or security deposits required to operate cooling equipment.
• Repair of a central air conditioning system or heat pump.
• Purchase of a whole-house fan, including ceiling or attic fans.
• Purchase and installation of a window air conditioning unit.

Administrative Details and Program Impact

Application and Provisions

Applications can be submitted through multiple channels to ensure accessibility:

• Online via the CommonHelp portal.
• By phone at 855-635-4370.
• In-person at the household’s local department of social services.

It is noted that households that received a one-time $365 electric bill payment in June 2025 are not eligible for additional bill payment assistance this year but may still apply for equipment purchase or repair services. Eligibility for cooling assistance does not affect a household’s standing for other EAP services, such as fuel or crisis assistance.

Program Reach

The Virginia Energy Assistance Program has been a cornerstone of support for over two decades. In the previous year alone, the cooling assistance component served more than 88,000 households, demonstrating its significant impact on fostering community resilience and upholding the principles of the Sustainable Development Goals across Virginia.

Identified Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

SDG 1: No Poverty

• The article discusses the Virginia Energy Assistance Program, which provides financial aid to low-income households. This directly addresses poverty by helping vulnerable families afford essential services like cooling, reducing their financial burden and preventing them from falling deeper into poverty. The program is a form of social protection for the poor and vulnerable.

SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being

• The program provides cooling assistance, which is critical for preventing heat-related illnesses, especially for the specified vulnerable groups: children under six, adults over 60, and individuals with disabilities. Access to cooling during hot weather is a fundamental aspect of maintaining health and well-being.

SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy

• The core of the article is about ensuring access to energy. The program helps households pay for electricity bills and acquire or repair cooling equipment (air conditioners, fans). This directly aligns with the goal of ensuring access to affordable and reliable modern energy for all.

SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities

• The program explicitly targets specific vulnerable and marginalized groups based on age (children and the elderly), disability, and income level. By providing targeted assistance, the program aims to reduce inequalities in access to essential services and ensure that these groups are not left behind.

Specific SDG Targets

Target 1.3: Implement nationally appropriate social protection systems

• The Virginia Energy Assistance Program, funded by the federal Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), is a clear example of a social protection system designed to provide a safety net for the poor and vulnerable by helping them cover essential energy costs.

Target 7.1: Ensure universal access to affordable, reliable and modern energy services

• The program’s services, such as paying electric bills, repairing air conditioning systems, and providing new cooling units, are direct actions to ensure that low-income households have access to affordable and modern energy services required for cooling.

Target 10.2: Empower and promote the social, economic and political inclusion of all, irrespective of age, sex, disability, race, colour, ethnicity, origin, religion or economic or other status

• The program’s eligibility criteria specifically focus on promoting the inclusion of vulnerable populations—households with young children, older adults, or individuals with disabilities—by ensuring they have the means to live in a safe and healthy environment.

Implied Indicators for Measuring Progress

Indicators for Target 1.3 & 10.2

• Proportion of the population covered by social protection systems: The article provides a specific number: “Last year, the department said it served more than 88,000 Virginia households with cooling assistance.” This figure serves as a direct indicator of the program’s coverage.
• Eligibility Criteria: The specific qualifications mentioned—”a household must have a child six years of age or younger, an adult 60 years or older, or an individual living with a disability,” along with income requirements—are indicators used to target and measure assistance to vulnerable populations.

Indicators for Target 7.1

• Proportion of population with access to electricity and modern energy services: The types of assistance offered are indicators of the services being provided to ensure access. These include:
  • Payment of electric bills
  • Repair of a central air conditioning system or heat pump
  • Purchase of a whole-house fan or window unit air conditioner
• Financial Assistance Provided: The mention of a “one-time benefit of $365 for payment of electric bills” is a specific indicator of the level of financial support provided to make energy affordable.

Summary of SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Source: wydaily.com