Gov. Bob Riley has awarded $7.29 million in grants to assist low-income families in Alabama with energy bills.

The grants will be issued to 22 Community Action Agencies throughout the state and awarded to low-income families based on need. Funds will be used to help familie heat their houses this winter.

“This grant helps assure low-income families and individuals, including the elderly and families with small children they will be able to keep their homes warm this winter,” Riley said.

The grant is being made available through the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program and is aimed at helping eligible low-income households afford the energy required to heat their houses. Applications for assitance are being taken at local Community Action Agencies.

Among the Community Action Agencies that were awarded grants was the Community Action Agency of Northeast Alabama Inc. (including Blount, Dekalb, St. Clair, Marshall, Cherokee and Jackson Counties) for $481,693.

Riley awarded the grants from funds provided to the state by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. The Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs is administering the grants.