The Virgin Islands has been awarded a $33,000 grant to help low-income residents pay their energy bills, Gov. John. de Jongh Jr. said Friday.

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services released more than $845 million to states and territories as part of the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program, a block grant timed to assist struggling families during the holiday season, the statement from Government House said.

“This money will be dispersed in such a way that will help Virgin Islanders, including families with children and seniors, make their homes more energy efficient and reduce their energy costs,” the governor said.