Low-Income Energy Advisory Board LEGISLATIVE INFORMATION FORUM Thursday, December 7, :00 A.M. – Noon Legislative Office Building Room 1E Hartford, CT

AGENDA Welcome and Introductions Board Overview Accomplishments – CEAP – Utility-MPP

AGENDA Energy Issues Subcommittee Reports Funding Needs and Resources Conservation and Weatherization DPUC Participation Communication and Coordination Questions and Answer Period

PUBLIC ACT Establishes a Low-Income Energy Advisory Board to advise and assist OPM, DSS, and DPUC on energy related issues affecting low-income populations Composed of OPM, DSS, COA, DPUC, OCC, Operation Fuel, Info-Line, CLASP, AARP,CAFCA, CT Petroleum Dealers Association, Legal Assistance Resource Center, and electric and gas companies

BOARD STRUCTURE Board meets on the 2 nd Wednesday of each month Board sets direction based on the public act and relevant energy issues Board establishes and provides guidance to subcommittees Board reviews, modifies and approves all subcommittee work

CEAP SUBCOMMITTEE ACCOMPLISHMENTS Early Intake Households start applying for energy assistance on August 15, Early intake will alleviate backlog of applications that occurs each year from November to January. Community action agencies provide outreach activities such as mass mailings, advertisements, appearances on local access cable shows and press releases to inform households about early intake.

EARLY INTAKE Eligibility can be determined for deliverable fuel heated households prior to November 1 st, first day for deliveries. Utility heated households can have matching payment determined earlier for arrearage forgiveness program.

EARLY INTAKE Applications increased by over 100% from previous year for the same period. Applications for 12,263 deliverable fuel heated households, 8,446 utility heated households and 314 rental assistance households processed through October 30, Currently average waiting period for appointments is four weeks, unless emergency situation.

OIL PRE-BUY Discussion with partners – Office of Policy and Management, Independent Connecticut Petroleum Association, Connecticut Association for Community Action, community action agencies, oil vendors and Department of Social Services. Various options reviewed to determine best method to purchase oil to benefit customers without harming vendors. Pre buying oil in the “off season” perceived to be ideal time to purchase oil.

PRE-BUY PILOT PROGRAM New Opportunities chosen to operate pre- buy pilot. Virtual pre-buy conducted during 2005/2006 program. Results indicate savings of $400,000 in addition to those realized in the fixed margin pricing program.

2006/2007 PRE-BUY PILOT Criteria determined to select vendors for pre- buy pilot: – Last three years in program – Experience in pre-buy contracts – More than 50,000 gallons in deliveries to New Opportunities’ service territory – No complaints on file with Department of Consumer Protection

PRE-BUY PILOT $2.2 million available for pilot 14 vendors met criteria 13 vendors participating in pilot 10 percent of cost of 75% of gallons used in 2005/2006 program provided as deposit 25% to be paid monthly Balance paid at end after reconciliation Increased vendor participation in anticipation of expansion of pilot

UTILITY SUBCOMMITTEE ACCOMPLISHMENTS Utility Subcommittee Structure Reviewed existing Matching Payment Programs Recommendations – Consistent Payment Calculation Process – Memorandum of Understanding – Budget Worksheet

ENERGY ISSUES Funding Strategies Conservation and Weatherization DPUC Participation Communication and Coordination

FUNDING NEEDS AND RESOURCES SUBCOMMITTEE Conduct an analysis of the energy costs/energy benefit level Identify need for additional benefits/programs Identify potential sources of funding to provide support for low-income energy assistance programs

CONSERVATION AND WEATHERIZATION SUBCOMMITTEE Develop an inventory of conservation and weatherization programs/services Identify the gaps in conservation and weatherization services Research the effectiveness and feasibility of a holistic approach to services

DPUC PARTICIPATION SUBCOMMITTEE Identify methods LIEAB can participate in DPUC proceedings Determine appropriate level of LIEAB participation and identify resources needed Promote a uniform approach across utility companies

DPUC PARTICIPATION SUBCOMMITTEE Conduct a review of best practices in low- income programs for utility companies Conduct a study of the potential benefits/costs of a separate rate structure for low-income populations Identify resources needed by LIEAB to be an effective participant

COMMUNICATION SUBCOMMITTEE Develop an integrated communication infrastructure Explore information sharing issues Identify ways to promote more effective communication Establish a common set of definitions and rules across utility companies

LOW-INCOME ENERGY ADVISORY BOARD Questions and Answers Contact Information Office of Policy and Management 450 Capitol Avenue Hartford, CT 06106