Creating the Moment: Expanding Low-Income Energy Resources Roger Colton Fisher, Sheehan & Colton Public Finance and General Economics Belmont, MA June 2002

National Fuel Funds Network: Energy Safety Net Tool Kit Series Launched in December 2001 A series of papers exploring new programs and new partnerships to increase energy assistance in the US. Stress approaches that community-based organizations, utilities and government can undertake together, without new regulation or legislation.

Tool Kit #1: In Harm’s Way: The Issue Portable space heaters not major cause of home heating fires. Portable space heaters: –Highest death toll –Highest injury rate –Highest property damage per household

Tool Kit #1: In Harm’s Way: The Issue Substantial minority (25%) of customers losing heating use portable heaters (electric/propane). Low-income risk factors: –No smoke detectors –No child care –No telephone –Less fire resistant housing

Tool Kit #1: In Harm’s Way: The Partnership National Fire Protection Association (National Fire Prevention Week) Property and casualty insurance companies Weatherization providers (smoke detectors) Local utilities (fire prevention and shutoffs) State/local public health agencies (CDC: unintentional injuries)

Tool Kit #2: Credit where Credit is Due: The Issue 4.3 million low-income households at risk of shutoff at end of 2000/2001 heating season. Proportionately, 2x as many low-income customers in arrears. Low-income arrears twice as high as non- low-income.

Tool Kit #2: Credit where Credit is Due: The Issue EITC/Child tax credit available to working poor. Average benefit $1,800+ One-quarter of recipients use to pay past- due utility bills. 90% use to pay household living expenses.

Tool Kit #2: Credit where Credit is Due: The Partnership Mass utility outreach campaigns (NJ) “Gap filler” outreach campaign –Part-time workers –Women-workers –Hispanic workers VITA campaign (Illinois--Ameritech) Targeted outreach (Cleco)

Tool Kit #5: When Weather Kills:The Issue From , heat-related deaths outpaced deaths attributable to every other weather category, including cold weather. Low-income at particular risk: –Summer bills unaffordable –Particular dangers of urban heat (heat island) –Particular dangers of urban heat (housing type) Households most at risk: –Persons aged 60 and over: 68% of heat deaths –70% of heat deaths in homes w/o air conditioning.

Tool Kit #5: When Weather Kills:The Issue Air conditioning is #1 protection against heat- related illness and death. Electric fans may provide comfort, but do not provide health protection. For example, 21% of all deaths in NYC during could have been avoided by air conditioning.

Tool Kit #5: When Weather Kills:The Partnership Community “Heat Response Plan” –Identification of high risk persons Extreme Weather Registry –Outreach and education –Access to cooling Home cooling, congregate cooling sites, extended hour cooling sites. –Heat-related assistance (hot line)

Tool Kit #5: When Weather Kills:The Partnership Local governments Aging/disabled advocates Facility managers (private/public) Insurance companies

NFFN’s Energy Safety Net Tool Kit

For More Information: or