For the second year in a row, employees from across American Electric Power’s operating companies joined the Federal Affairs team in Washington, D.C. for the National Energy & Utility Affordability Coalition’s LIHEAP Action Day. The teams shared one message across 45 congressional meetings: LIHEAP is a lifeline for the customers we serve, and full federal funding is essential.
AEP’s delegation, which included team members from AEP Ohio, Kentucky Power, Indiana Michigan Power and SWEPCO, found that policymakers responded most when they heard specific district data and real customer stories that revealed how LIHEAP prevents disconnections, helps families avoid medical crises and keeps seniors safe at home.
Employees reported strong engagement from many congressional offices, especially in conversations where LIHEAP’s local impact was clearly connected to district needs.
However, several offices – particularly new or smaller-staffed ones – lacked familiarity with how the program functions. This created opportunities for AEP advocates to educate policymakers and highlight the scale of need in their states.
Employees said stepping out of their day-to-day roles offered a broader view of AEP’s mission and a deeper appreciation for the work happening across the company. They also credited the Federal Affairs team’s Nicholas Jackson, who managed the LIHEAP Action Day event and helped them prepare.
"LIHEAP Action Day is one of my favorite days of advocacy we have in D.C.,” said Jackson, government affairs coordinator, AEP Federal Affairs team. “This program speaks directly to the needs of our customers, and the meetings are some of the most engaging we have. Each of the last two years, AEP's presence has grown, and I look forward to leading our team that comes to D.C. and acts as champions for AEP's customers for years to come."
This year’s Action Day demonstrated the power of aligning field expertise with public policy advocacy. AEP’s strong showing reinforced our long-standing commitment to ensuring that the most vulnerable customers across our 11-state footprint have access to reliable, affordable energy and the support needed to stay safely connected.
“The work doesn’t stop after we’ve returned home from Washington,” said Amanda Keeney, SWEPCO director of communications and engagement, who marked her second LIHEAP Action Day. “We need continued bipartisan support for LIHEAP, but we also have to do our part at home – building relationships with local LIHEAP agencies, talking about all our bill help programs and making sure customers know this support exists. LIHEAP is first come, first served, so helping customers act early can be the difference between getting assistance or going without.”
Click here to read more about LIHEAP and learn if you’re eligible for assistance.