Repeat LIHEAP Recipients 2013 NEUAC Conference Jackie Berger

Presentation Outline Introduction NEADA LIHEAP Surveys Repeat LIHEAP Statistics Summary and Recommendations 2

NEADA LIHEAP Surveys 3

Survey Motivation Shutoffs are not the only consequence of unaffordable energy bills. Understand other consequences. Document need of recipients for the assistance. Document impact of assistance. Measure changes over time. 4

Survey History 2003 Baseline Survey LIHEAP Recipients in 20 States Energy Needs (beyond bill payment) Importance of LIHEAP Follow-up Not all current LIHEAP recipients Can’t project to LIHEAP population 2008, 2009, 2011 LIHEAP recipients in 13 states (12 in 2008) Additional topics Change in energy bills Health issues Utility payment plans Compare 2003, 2008, 2009,

States Surveyed CA XXXX CO X CT XX DE XXXX GA XXXX IA XXXX LA X MA X ME XXXX MN XXXX MO XXXX NC XXXX ND X NM XXXX NY XXXX OH XXXX PA XXXX RI X VA X WA X WI X

Methodology Use of state LIHEAP databases –Samples selected by APPRISE or state office staff –Stratification by vulnerable group and poverty level Telephone survey 7 Field PeriodRespondentsResponse Rates /03-12/031, /08 – 11/081,256 Overall: 61% Low: 41% in NY, High: 73% in OH /2009 – 1/20101,828 Overall: 54% Low: 40% in CA, High: 74% in NC 20115/2011 – 7/20111,768 Overall: 56% Low: 41% in NY, High: 69% in NM

Repeat LIHEAP Statistics 8

“In how many of the past 5 years have you received (STATE SPECIFIC LIHEAP NAME)?” 9

Years of LIHEAP Receipt 2011 Survey 10

Years of LIHEAP Receipt Survey Comparison Recalled LIHEAP Receipt84%86% 93% Years of Reported LIHEAP Receipt (in past 5 years) 1 year25%20%26%23% 5 years21%26%25%20%

Vulnerable Characteristics 12

Vulnerable Characteristics 13

Poverty Level 14

Unemployment 15

Income Source 16

Region 17

Health Issues 18 Breathing includes bronchitis, emphysema, or COPD. Heart includes hypertension, heart disease, or stroke.

Uses Medical Equipment That Requires Electricity 19

Pre-LIHEAP Energy Burden 20

Summary and Recommendations 21

LIHEAP Receipt percent of recipients are aware that they received LIHEAP. 20%-26% report one year of LIHEAP receipt. 20%-26% report five years of LIHEAP receipt. 22

Repeat LIHEAP Receipt More likely to repeat LIHEAP receipt: –Vulnerable households –Seniors and disabled households –Retirement income –Public assistance recipient –Northeast and Midwest –Breathing and heart issues 23

Repeat LIHEAP Receipt Less likely to repeat LIHEAP receipt: –>150% of the poverty level –Unemployed in the past year –Employment income –South and West –None of the significant health issues –Energy burden <=5% 24

Conclusions Households with vulnerability factors have continued need for LIHEAP assistance Other households have a transitory need for assistance Repeat assistance need is related to higher energy costs and lower earning ability 25

Contact Jackie Berger, Ph.D. President and Co-Founder APPRISE 32 Nassau Street, Suite 200 Princeton, NJ