Integrating Government-Funded and Ratepayer-Funded Low-Income Fuel Assistance Programs

This workbook is designed to help program managers facilitate the integration of government-funded fuel assistance programs (such as LIHEAP and state-funded LIHEAP supplements) with ratepayer-funded fuel assistance programs (such as those funded through state system benefits charges). The workbook is presented in two main sections. The first section examines the most-asked policy questions regarding integration. The second section is designed to help LIHEAP program administrators identify what information is most helpful in the process of linking LIHEAP programs with ratepayer-funded low-income fuel assistance programs.

The wide array of federal, state and private programs designed to reduce low-income home energy burdens and to improve low-income home energy affordability – through a combination of cash assistance, rate discounts, and energy efficiency measures – presents an ideal opportunity to fulfill the mandate of the federal Government Performance and Results Act of 1993 (GPRA) that related programs be integrated to achieve their maximum effectiveness. While related, the purposes of publicly-funded and ratepayer-funded fuel assistance programs are not identical. As a result, program managers need tools that will allow them to fulfill the vision of integration. The purpose is not simply to comply with statutory mandates, but to engage in an active planning and management tool.

Page Last Updated: December 7, 2005