The Heating and Cooling Relief Act aims to substantially strengthen the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Act of 1981, renaming it the Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) . It addresses the significant energy burden faced by low-income households, the limited reach of current assistance programs, and the growing impact of climate change on energy needs. The bill seeks to ensure that all eligible households can access affordable heating and cooling. Key provisions include increasing funding authorizations to "such sums as may be necessary" to assist all eligible households, and boosting the emergency contingency fund to $2 billion annually for major disasters, including extreme heat and cold. Eligibility is expanded to the greater of 250 percent of the poverty level or 80 percent of the State median income, and states are prohibited from excluding households based on citizenship. The bill also mandates that states work towards an energy burden limit of 3 percent of household income for eligible families. The legislation introduces crucial consumer protections, requiring home energy suppliers to refrain from charging late fees for six months before and after a household receives HEAP funds, and prohibiting service shutoffs for two years post-assistance. Suppliers must also provide data on arrears and offer low-income energy affordability payment programs. States are directed to implement simplified eligibility verification through data sharing with other assistance programs and allow self-attestation. To enhance climate resilience, the bill prioritizes weatherization and home repairs that foster energy efficiency, decarbonization, and beneficial electrification, increasing the maximum percentage of funds states can use for these purposes. It also establishes Just Transition Grants to help states and local governments reduce energy burdens while transitioning away from fossil fuels. Furthermore, states must develop action plans for extreme heat and review eligibility criteria to include vulnerable populations. Administrative improvements include requiring online application submissions, year-round program operations, and ensuring HEAP coordinators receive fair wages. The bill also mandates the development of a standardized template for tracking home energy payment arrears and provides guidance on using HEAP funds to address these debts, prohibiting utility companies from recovering these costs through rate increases.