Increasing Benefits of Energy Assistance Programs Through Oil Furnace Retrofits

摘要

Four million low income households in the Unites States heat with fuel oil. Those in colder climates are confronting severe hardships. The Fuel Oil Marketing Advisory Committee (FOMAC) of the US Department of Energy (DOE) has documented the desperate nature of this situation, which continues to worsen as prices rise. For FY 1982, the Administration has proposed that HHS administer a four-year block grant to states combining LIEAP with emergency assistance to the needy, and has requested an authorization of $1.875 billion annually for the two combined programs. HHS has taken the position that states should now have the option of using Low Income Energy Assistance Program (LIEAP) monies for low cost weatherization including furnace retrofits. This report is intended for those who may be involved in making decisions about the nature of future energy assistance programs. The major sections of the report are evaluation of the Phildelphia Pilot Program, economics of an Oil Furnace Retrofit Program, and administrators' considerations. Each section is supported by appendices as listed in the table of contents. (ERA citation 09:018662)