Energy assistance: a new welfare category

Journal Article · · J. Inst. Socioecon. Stud.; (United States)

OSTI ID:6706201

Weil, G L ^[1]; Ostergren, A T

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1. Dept. of Business, Augusta, ME

Public assistance now includes a new benefit program of Federal block grants that allow states to develop their own energy-aid program and utility regulations that encourage rates favorable to the poor. Effective assistance to offset rising heating and air-conditioning costs is available to states with an agency designated to administer the program. The weatherization program to help lower fuel costs, on the other hand, has been hampered by Federal regulations because its administrations crosses agency lines. States are able to choose how they will deliver energy assistance aid in ways that prevent its diversion to other uses, many selecting energy stamps, vouchers, and direct payments. Some utilities have responded to the assistance provisions of the Public Utility Regulatory Policies Act (PURPA) with the controversial lifeline and reduced rates for selected groups, load management, and less-rigid service-termination policies. PURPA challenges many traditional utility policies, but it is prompting only limited change. The authors feel that the long-term effect on the elderly and poor would have been more beneficial if more funds had gone into the weatherization program rather than establishing another welfare bureaucracy. (DCK)

• OSTI ID: 6706201
• Journal Information: J. Inst. Socioecon. Stud.; (United States), Journal Name: J. Inst. Socioecon. Stud.; (United States) Vol. 5:4; ISSN JISSD
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

29 ENERGY PLANNING, POLICY, AND ECONOMY
291000 -- Energy Planning & Policy-- Conservation
293000* -- Energy Planning & Policy-- Policy
Legislation
& Regulation
32 ENERGY CONSERVATION, CONSUMPTION, AND UTILIZATION
320000 -- Energy Conservation
Consumption
& Utilization
ENERGY CONSERVATION
ENERGY POLICY
ENERGY SUPPLIES
FEDERAL ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS
GOVERNMENT POLICIES
LOW INCOME GROUPS
SOCIAL IMPACT
WEATHERIZATION