Energy programs can help low-income customers keep the lights on, but some do better than others

By Ariel Drehobl, Research Analyst, Local Policy

Energy programs can help. Especially as households ramp up air conditioners to stay cool this summer. So many will find themselves with higher energy bills. Paying these bills will be easier for some than for others. Low-income households, who spend on average three times more of their income on energy bills than other households. For it will undoubtedly find it more difficult to adjust to higher bills. Especially in both the summer and winter months.

Many households can address high energy burdens. That’s by taking advantage of energy efficiency programs run by their utilities. These programs provide multiple benefits beyond energy and bill savings. I mean such as fewer shut offs, healthier homes. Also less outdoor pollution and more local jobs.

To better understand the scope and reach of low-income energy efficiency programs look no further. For ACEEE completed a new baseline assessment of the electric and natural gas programs. Those that specifically target low-income households in the largest US cities. 

The assessment complements previous ACEEE research that explored best practice elements for low-income utility programs. This paper examines total investments in these programs. Also energy savings impacts, customer participation, and utilization of best practices. That’s most noteworthy for more than 70 utilities low-income programs.

The paper also includes data tables that chronicle this information for each utility.

Conclusion

If you’re struggling with energy bills, you might not be able to remember the last time you had an energy provider in your community. That’s because most landlords, businesses and institutions don’t need energy. For they have their own.

That means for those who need assistance keeping the lights on. So I mean there are a variety of ways to access these programs. All which are often run by not-for-profit organizations. Those that especially have a stake in the local community.

If you need help finding an energy provider in your area, start by checking out the list of programs below.

And be sure to also check out how you can save money right now. That’s by switching to an energy provider who offers discounts on renewable energy.

To read the report, visit: http://aceee.org/white-paper/low-income-ee-baseline 

To continue reading the blog post, visit: http://aceee.org/blog/2017/07/utility-programs-can-help-low-income 

Source: ACEEE: The American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy