February 6, 2015–With the need for energy assistance consistently outstripping federal funding, low-income households benefit from non-federal supplemental funding from various sources such as ratepayer-funded programs; appropriations by state, local and tribal governments; and fuel funds. The use of these funds, often referred to as leveraging, can be a beneficial way for LIHEAPs to supplement funds used to provide assistance to low-income customers who might otherwise miss out on the opportunity for aid. The Clearinghouse's most recent report, Leveraging and LIHEAP: Providing Non-Federal Funds for Energy Assistance, examines the various sources of this supplemental funding and also looks at the federal leveraging incentive program.
For LIHEAPs that are interested in trying to identify non-federal sources of energy assistance, either for participation in the federal incentive program or as a way to provide more coverage to low-income households, there are numerous places to look. This report examines the most common forms of non-federal resources for energy assistance, especially those programs focused on providing bill assistance. The report also explores ratepayer-funded programs, state and tribal government funds, community funds, miscellaneous sources of funds, and their impact on LIHEAP.
Source: LIHEAP Clearinghouse
