CA Releases Low-Income Energy Programs Needs Assessment

The California Public Utilities Commission is reviewing and seeking comments on a needs assessment of the state’s rate-payer funded low- income energy programs: the California Alternate Rates for Energy (CARE), which is the  utility low-income discount, and the Low- Income Energy Efficiency Program (LIEE).
 
After about four years in the making, the long-awaited Final Report on Phase 2 Low Income Needs Assessment was released to the public in September.

Performed by KEMA, the Phase 2 results suggest that, “over time, the programs have effectively targeted and provided services to low-income households that have the greatest need.”

According to the report’s executive summary, “As of year-end 2006, however, there remains significant untapped potential in terms of the number of eligible households not enrolled in CARE and the number of households for which LIEE measures would be technically feasible, applicable and needed.”

The study used in-depth interviews, energy audits, census data, utility billing records and on-site surveys to develop a profile of the demographic, socio-economic, dwelling-type and geographic characteristics of the eligible low-income population in California. 

Issues such as energy burden, energy insecurity, need for energy efficiency measures, and household comfort, health and safety were explored, along with an assessment of  barriers to program participation such as levels of program awareness, reluctance to accept aid, fear or distrust, and structural barriers to LIEE installations. 

For more information, see the website of the Low Income Advisory Board and click on “Reports.”

Source: CAPUC, LIOB

Page Last Updated: January 2, 2008