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Energy Assistance Plan for Low Income Households in Peterborough City & County

Energy Assistance Plan for Low Income Households in Peterborough City & County. Margaret McCutcheon Housing Support Worker, CCRC/HRC Research & Policy Analyst, PSPC (former). Overview. Report commissioned in 2002 by Policy & Issues Sub-Committee of AHAC

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Energy Assistance Plan for Low Income Households in Peterborough City & County

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  1. Energy Assistance Plan for Low Income Households in Peterborough City & County Margaret McCutcheon Housing Support Worker, CCRC/HRC Research & Policy Analyst, PSPC (former)

  2. Overview • Report commissioned in 2002 by Policy & Issues Sub-Committee of AHAC • Spurred by rising oil and natural gas prices, and pending deregulation of electricity market • Purpose: To develop recommendations to address the need for improved and sustainable energy assistance for low income households

  3. Overview • Prepared by PSPC to provide information to support the development of recommendations by AHAC • At the time, no comprehensive plan in Canada to address rising energy costs & potential crisis for low income households

  4. Overview • Focus of report: • Establish the need for assistance for low income residents • Describe existing community supports • Review models for low income energy assistance, from Canada & U.S.

  5. Measuring Need: Energy Affordability • Shelter cost to income ratio (CMHC) • Total shelter costs including utilities < 30% of gross household income • Energy burden (U.S. HUD) • Total home energy costs < 8% of gross household income (5% electric & 3% gas)

  6. Measuring Need: Energy Affordability • Family of four in Peterborough City • Low income cut off (2005) = $2754 • Total shelter cost < 30% = $826 • Total energy cost < 8% = $220 • Hydro = $138 & Gas = $83

  7. Measuring Need • Emergency energy assistance to low income households in Peterborough City-County • 2000-2001 - $56,939 • 2001-2002 - $108,098

  8. Model for Energy Assistance Plan Emergency Assistance Transition Assistance Crisis Prevention Consumer Protections

  9. Model for Energy Assistance Plan • Consumer Protections • Regulatory & social policy measures which ensure an affordable energy supply for all consumers, & low income consumers in particular • Preventive Strategy

  10. Model for Energy Assistance Plan • Crisis Prevention • Financial assistance, rate discounts, payment & arrears management options, & energy efficiency programs, funded & administered by government & utilities • Preventive Strategy

  11. Model for Energy Assistance Plan • Transition Assistance • Government rebates to help offset sharply rising energy prices (may be in response to deregulation, extreme weather conditions, etc.) • Reactive Strategy

  12. Model for Energy Assistance Plan • Emergency Assistance • Emergency financial assistance & advocacy to prevent pending disconnection or arrange for reconnection • Reactive Strategy

  13. Recommendations • Policy & Issues Subcommittee consulted with community experts • Released Recommendations in Nov. 2002 • 18 recommendations for short, medium & long-term action

  14. Energy Assistance Plan Background Report & the Recommendations are available at: www.pspc.on.ca Go to “Housing” on the Publications page

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