Energy Assistance Plan for Low Income Households in Peterborough City & County Margaret McCutcheon Housing Support Worker, CCRC/HRC Research & Policy Analyst, PSPC (former)

Overview Report commissioned in 2002 by Policy & Issues Sub-Committee of AHAC Spurred by rising oil and natural gas prices, and pending deregulation of electricity market Purpose: To develop recommendations to address the need for improved and sustainable energy assistance for low income households

Overview Prepared by PSPC to provide information to support the development of recommendations by AHAC At the time, no comprehensive plan in Canada to address rising energy costs & potential crisis for low income households

Overview Focus of report: – Establish the need for assistance for low income residents – Describe existing community supports – Review models for low income energy assistance, from Canada & U.S.

Measuring Need: Energy Affordability Shelter cost to income ratio (CMHC) – Total shelter costs including utilities < 30% of gross household income Energy burden (U.S. HUD) – Total home energy costs < 8% of gross household income (5% electric & 3% gas)

Measuring Need: Energy Affordability Family of four in Peterborough City – Low income cut off (2005) = $2754 – Total shelter cost < 30% = $826 – Total energy cost < 8% = $220 Hydro = $138 & Gas = $83

Measuring Need Emergency energy assistance to low income households in Peterborough City-County – $56,939 – $108,098

Model for Energy Assistance Plan Emergency Assistance Transition Assistance Crisis Prevention Consumer Protections

Model for Energy Assistance Plan Consumer Protections – Regulatory & social policy measures which ensure an affordable energy supply for all consumers, & low income consumers in particular – Preventive Strategy

Model for Energy Assistance Plan Crisis Prevention – Financial assistance, rate discounts, payment & arrears management options, & energy efficiency programs, funded & administered by government & utilities – Preventive Strategy

Model for Energy Assistance Plan Transition Assistance – Government rebates to help offset sharply rising energy prices (may be in response to deregulation, extreme weather conditions, etc.) – Reactive Strategy

Model for Energy Assistance Plan Emergency Assistance – Emergency financial assistance & advocacy to prevent pending disconnection or arrange for reconnection – Reactive Strategy

Recommendations Policy & Issues Subcommittee consulted with community experts Released Recommendations in Nov recommendations for short, medium & long- term action

Energy Assistance Plan Background Report & the Recommendations are available at: Go to “Housing” on the Publications page