|
Energy is one important component of housing costs as well as of transportation. Many consumer advocates, housing advocates and community organizations are working on combining strategies to make energy more affordable. Water is another essential component of decent housing generally delivered by a local utility and becoming increasingly expensive.
Affordability is best measured by calculating a consumer’s Energy (or Water) Burden, the percent of income that must be used to pay the bills. The formula is:
Linked Studies of Energy Burden and Its Consequences
Principles of Energy Security for All Americans - This statement about affordable energy has been drafted by the ad hoc low-income energy advocates group. Please read it and consider adding your organization’s support.
Making Ends Meet - EOS Powerpoint, 2001 Census data on consumers who could not afford their energy bills and the multiple hardships many endured at the time their energy was unaffordable.
Our Article Comparing US and the UK Low-Income Energy Consumer Needs and Government Policies
Integrating Energy Affordability Resources
Program Evaluations - Our catalogue of reports on energy affordability or efficiency programs from any funding source.
Best Practices of Nevada UEC Programs
Utility Program Evaluations - Link to a selection of evaluations of low-income energy programs, by APPRISE, Inc. The evaluated programs include assistance programs in CO, NJ, OH, and PA.
Ohio Percentage of Income Payment Plan (PIPP) - A presentation by Dave Rinebolt
Report on 2005 Universal Service Programs & Collection Performance by the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission
Evaluation of Low-Income Program in Wisconsin
Columbia Gas of Pennsylvania Inc. Universal Service and Energy Conservation Plan
New Jersey Percentage of Income Payment Plan
LIHEAP Energy Burden Evaluation Study by APPRISE
The Resources
The links below are examples of integrated solutions that address one or more of the three elements of the “affordability” problem. They include programs, regulations and laws, and policies. All either reduce energy use, reduce energy’s price or/and increase the incomes of consumers.
|