1. Integrating Government-Funded & Ratepayer-Funded Fuel Assistance Programs Roger D. Colton Fisher, Sheehan & Colton Public Finance and General Economics June 2002

2. Purpose of Notebook l Intended audience: program administrators. l Intended goal: facilitate integration of cross-cutting programs. l Intended use: active management tool.

3. Most Asked Policy Questions (#1) l What is a system benefits charge? l Is a move to retail competition a necessary prerequisite to creation of a rate affordability program? l How do I decide how to split funds between rate affordability and weatherization?

4. Most Asked Policy Questions (#2) l What are the pros and cons of using existing LIHEAP networks to deliver an SBC program? l Is it appropriate to combine LIHEAP with ratepayer funded dollars? l What program goals and objectives do I need to revisit to integrate programs?

5. Most Asked Policy Questions (#3) l What can a state LIHEAP office contribute to implementing an SBC program? l How do I assess whether to integrate LIHEAP with an SBC program? l Does a LIHEAP office lose control of LIHEAP through integration?

6. Most Asked Policy Questions (#4) l What can I do if I’m not in a position of strength? l What funding may I permissibly use to pay for participation in SBC discussions? l What materials and info should I present to utilities, regulators, legislators in support of an integrated program?

7. Most Requested Pieces of Information (#1) l Where might I find local (rather than statewide) information on demographics and/or energy costs? l How do I determine the total number of LI customers in my state by fuel type? l How do I determine an average residential electric bill in my state?

8. Most Requested Pieces of Information (#2) l How do I determine an average residential natural gas bill in my state? l How do I determine an average fuel oil bill in my state? l How do I determine an average LPG bill in my state? l How do I find current residential energy usage information for my state?

9. Most Requested Pieces of Information (#3) l How do I find the number of households that live at each range of poverty in my state? l How do I find out what percentage of housing units use each fuel as a primary heating source? l How do I find out how much consumers spend on energy as part of their total household budget for my state?

10. Most Requested Pieces of Information (#4) l How do I find company-specific information on electric company customers, usage and revenue? l How do I find company-specific information on natural gas company customers, usage and revenue? l How do I find company-specific information company costs such as bad debt, collection costs and arrears in my state?

11. Most Requested Pieces of Information (#5) l How do I find state-specific information on arrearages and/or utility shutoffs in my state? l How do I find information on utility collection practices in my state? l How do I find information about hot and cold weather for my state? l Where do I find information about the working poor in my state?

12. Most Requested Pieces of Information (#6) l How do I find out what specific towns or counties are served by specific utilities? l How do I find out what fuel oil and/or LPG dealers serve what specific geographic areas? l Where do I find out what other states have done with respect to SBC programs?

13. Integration for Specific States (#1) l Funding: Direct dollars of benefit l Oversight: day-to-day program operation, program monitoring, impact and process evaluation, fiscal auditing. l Administration: design and operation.

14. Integration for Specific States (#2) l Outreach: provision of info and solicitation of participation. l Delivery: interface between customer and program.

15. Integration Workbook On-line http://www.ncat.org/liheap/colton

16. For More Information kayj@ncat.org or roger@fsconline.com