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Conference Schedule
Below is the list of conference tracks and a day-by-day schedule for the 200 National Energy and Utility Affordability Conference. The symbol § is used to indicate general sessions or workshops for which Continuing Legal Education credit was approved by the state bars of Idaho, Nevada, Pennsylvania and Oregon.
Note: Click on a presenter's name for a link to his or her conference presentation and/or handouts where designated.
Track A – Energy Availability and Sustainability
Track B – Weatherization and Conservation
Track C – Focus on Energy Assistance and Education
Track D – Outreach and Advocacy
Track E – Vulnerable Populations
Track F – Energy Programs in Indian Country
Track G – Evolution of Utility and Fuel Programs
Monday, June 15, 2009
9:00-10:30 a.m. Welcome, Introductions and Opening Address
Speakers: Cindy Datig, Chairperson, National Low Income Energy Consortium
Sue Montgomery Corey, Chairperson, National Fuel Funds Network
Jeff Miller, Travel Portland
Patrick Reiten, Pacific Power
Michael W. Grainey, Oregon Department of Economic Development
George Coling, National Fuel Funds Network
David Fox, National Low Income Energy Consortium
11:00 a.m.-12:15 p.m. Session 1
A § Incorporating Solar Heat into Energy Assistance and Weatherization Programs
Moderator: Olivia Wein, National Consumer Law Center
Presenter: Jason Edens, Rural Renewable Energy Alliance
Low-income families are helping to pay for renewable energy in myriad ways. This workshop focused on opportunities for low-income households to reap the benefits of incorporating solar heat into the renewable energy mix.
B Volunteers Making Weatherization Work
Moderator: Marilyn Grey, Portland General Electric
Presenters: Chaun MacQueen, Community Energy Project (additional handout)
Tom Stovall, Operation: New View Community Action Agency
Representatives of two non-profit agencies discussed how their organizations use local volunteers to help plan, organize and carry out weatherization programs. The Portland-based Community Energy Project provides thousands of low-income households the means to make energy-saving behavioral changes and install low-cost, small-measure weatherization materials through interactive, do-it-yourself workshops. Operation: New View Community Action Agency in Dubuque, Iowa, has helped hundreds of residents "keep the weather outside" though the Dubuque Weatherization Challenge, in which volunteer weatherization teams spread out across area communities in a one-day blitz to perform energy saving measures on the homes of their elderly, disabled and low-income neighbors.
C NFFN's Victorine Q. Adams Fundraising Institute: Fundraising Strategies Going Forward
Moderator: Judi Martin, Omaha Public Power District
Presenter: Jennifer Gremmert, Energy Outreach Colorado
Participants were giventhe opportunity to help develop a national fundraising strategic plan. They took cutting edge techniques and strategies developed at NFFN's Victorine Q. Adams Fundraising Institute in 2008 at Baltimore to move into action.
D NFFN's LIHEAP Action Day Activities: How You Can Participate
Moderator: Tracey Parker, Edison Electric Institute
Presenters: Linda Barnes, Entergy Corporation
Sue Montgomery Corey, Community Power Network
Vivian Lausevic, American Gas Association
This session provided information on the purpose of NFFN's LIHEAP Action Day and how each attendee can participate in the Washington, DC, activities as well as develop state programs and coalitions to build support for the program in their states.
E This Ain't Your Father's Energy Efficiency Program! State-of-the-Art Programs for Low-Income Consumers
Moderator: Susie Holmes, Federal Energy Regulatory Commission
Presenters: Clifton Lewis, Sacramento Municipal Utility District
Samuel E. Sirkin, JACO Environmental, Inc.
You've heard about harvesting corn, but have you heard about harvesting refrigerators? You know what shade-grown means, but are you aware of The Shade Tree Program? These are a few of the new and creative energy-efficiency programs being developed by some forward thinking utilities and environmental groups to help low-income energy consumers reduce their consumption. This workshop explored these innovative initiatives.
F Roundtables: Shop Talk for Tribes
Moderator: Charlotte Abney, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
Presenters: Staci Anderson, Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma
Tom Carney, U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development
Vicki Connelly, Blackfeet Tribe, Montana
Pauline Alva Eagle Chasing, Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe, South Dakota
Sharon Edgington, Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians, Michigan
Carina Kistler Ginter, Grand Ronde Tribal Housing Authority, Oregon
Jerry Hause, Cowlitz Tribe
Jody Hill, Burns Paiute Tribe
Dorothy Palmer, Colville Confederated Tribes
Eileen Shot With Two Arrows, Rosebud Sioux Tribe, South Dakota
Linda Walker, Confederated Tribes and Bands of the Yakama Indian Nation, Washington
Michaele Williamson, Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma
Attendees heard from experienced LIHEAP program directors about ways to overcome challenges and learn about alternative programs and funding resources. They were invited to pick a table to hear a short presentation on topics including targeting benefits to those most in need, leveraging funds, assisting families in crisis, effective energy conservation and weatherization programs, renewable opportunities and coordinating with partners. LIHEAP directors also discussed how their tribes are using the additional federal funds available.
G Vision of the Future: New Technologies and Techniques
Moderator: Diane Ferington, Energy Trust of Oregon
Presenters: Kate Scott, Energy Trust of Oregon
Jason Salmi Klotz, Bonneville Power Administration
This workshop explored emerging technologies and techniques in energy feedback, with particular focus on smart grid and feedback devices. Discussion covered how these technologies and techniques can give customers greater choice and control over energy usage, enabling them to set energy consumption goals and avoid costly energy usage decisions through education and feedback. This may also impact rates by lowering demand peak while increasing overall system efficiency. The Bonneville Power Administration discussed the emerging smart grid technologies and techniques, and the Energy Trust of Oregon gave an overview of a home energy monitor pilot designed to analyze actual energy savings from feedback devices.
12:30-1:45 p.m. § Luncheon and Keynote Address
Speaker: Patricia Limerick, Ph.D., University of Colorado at Boulder
Topic: "Replacing Conflict with Common Cause -- Building a Permanent Bridge between Social Justice and Environmental Well-Being"
In 1964, Congress passed both the Civil Rights Act and the Wilderness Act. As this fact indicates, campaigns for social justice and campaigns for environmental improvement have sometimes coincided in time and enlisted some of the same supporters. And yet at other times, the new causes have seemed to be unrelated, or even in direct opposition, to each other. In the last half the twentieth century, for instance, it was a common rhetorical practice to put jobs against environment and to cast the desire to protect natural systems as the preoccupation of a social elite. When it comes to assessing the compatibility of these causes, the project of helping low-income households deal with rising energy prices offers a very revealing case study, since many environmental advocates see rising energy prices as a necessary step in making renewable energy competitive in pricing with fossil fuels and in encouraging energy conservation and efficiency. Figuring out how to navigate through this terrain, minimizing collisions and friction, provides a set of lessons of value for many other areas of social and environmental policy.
2:00-3:15 p.m. Session 2
A Poverty Simulation
Facilitators: Diane Fay, Tony Hanson, Lisa Lipsey and Leona Malmberg, Washington Department of Community, Trade and Economic Development
Understanding the day-to-day reality of poverty is important for everyone involved in fighting poverty – from policymakers to service providers. Missouri’s Community Action Poverty Simulation (CAPS) is a unique tool that helps people to understand what life is like with a shortage of money and an abundance of stress. During a simulation, participants role-play the lives of low-income families, including single parents, people with disabilities and senior citizens. The task of each family is to provide food, shelter and other basic necessities during four 15-minute units that simulate weeks. Families interact with community resources and other families. CAPS enables participants to view poverty from different angles and then discuss the potential for change within local communities.
B Walk A Mile
Moderator: Sadie John Kroeck, Dominion Power
Presenter: Natasha Grossman, Northwest Institute for Children and Families, University of Washington School of Social Work
Christopher Coll, New York State Energy Research and Development Authority
Cynthia Hanna, Portland, Oregon
Imagine a program where your clients have the opportunity to directly impact the policies that affect their lives. Walk A Mile is a national educational program that pairs policymakers with low-income constituents. Because we can sometimes accomplish more over a kitchen table than across a podium, Walk A Mile provides an up-close and personal experience for both participating legislators and low-income constituents. In this interactive expansion upon a popular NEUAC 2008 workshop, the program’s developer explained how Walk A Mile is effecting change around the country and discussed how this powerful program can be put in place.
C Poverty Simulation
Facilitators: Raquel Lynch, Crisis Assistance Ministry
Tom Stovall, Operation: New View Community Action Agency
Understanding the day-to-day reality of poverty is important for everyone involved in fighting poverty – from policymakers to service providers. Missouri’s Community Action Poverty Simulation (CAPS) is a unique tool that helps people to understand what life is like with a shortage of money and an abundance of stress. During a simulation, participants role-play the lives of low-income families, including single parents, people with disabilities and senior citizens. The task of each family is to provide food, shelter and other basic necessities during four 15-minute units that simulate weeks. Families interact with community resources and other families. CAPS is a simulation that enables participants to view poverty from different angles and then discuss the potential for change within local communities.
D § Dialogue with Federal Officials
Moderator/
Presenter: Nick St. Angelo, Office of Community Services, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
Presenter: Yolanda J. Butler, Ph.D., Office of Community Services, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services' Division of Energy Assistance oversees more than $5 billion a year in Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program funding to the 50 states, District of Columbia, five insular areas and 140 tribes and tribal organizations. Representatives of this office were on hand to discuss LIHEAP funding and answer questions on administrative and programmatic issues.
E Poverty Simulation
Facilitator: Holly Berry, Oregon State University
Understanding the day-to-day reality of poverty is important for everyone involved in fighting poverty – from policymakers to service providers. Missouri’s Community Action Poverty Simulation (CAPS) is a unique tool that helps people to understand what life is like with a shortage of money and an abundance of stress. During a simulation, participants role-play the lives of low-income families, including single parents, people with disabilities and senior citizens. The task of each family is to provide food, shelter and other basic necessities during four 15-minute units that simulate weeks. Families interact with community resources and other families. CAPS is a simulation that enables participants to view poverty from different angles and then discuss the potential for change within local communities.
F Hot Topics
Moderator: Janis Foreman, Sacramento Municipal Utility District
Presenters:
A Partnership to Aid the Customer – Kim Campbell, TXU Energy
Super Charged Client Education: Simple, Effective & Trackable! – Dave Munk, Resource Action Programs
Building a Statewide Coalition – Judi Martin, Omaha Public Power District
Carbon and Energy Scoring of a Home – Diane Ferington, Energy Trust of Oregon
The ABC’s of AMI (Automated Metering Infrastructure) – Dean Smith, Portland General Electric
Cap and Trade 101 – Dale McCormick, MaineHousing
NFFN’s 2009 Washington Action Day for LIHEAP – Ivan Brandon, National Fuel Funds Network
FERC: What is it and Why Should I Care? – Edward Gingold, Federal Energy Regulatory Commission
Maintaining Home Energy Security of People with Low Income – James Wayne, Capital Area Legal Services Corporation
NFFN Membership Benefits – Marsha Belcher, Community Economic and Development
Cap and Trade 101 – Jim Jacob, New Jersey SHARES
Building Media Relationships – Ivan Brandon, National Fuel Funds Network
Award Winning Recycled Oil Program – Roger Rees, Oregon HEAT
Fuel Fund Logistics: Ask an Expert – Mike Bradford, The Salvation Army
How to Make the Most of the NCAT LIHEAP Clearinghouse – Kay Joslin, National Center for Appropriate Technology
Participants were invited to join colleagues and presenters for 15-20-minute sessions of discussion or hands-on demonstration and then move on to another table.
G Off-Site Tour: Bonneville Dam
On this afternoon tour coordinated by the Bonneville Power Administration, you will have an opportunity to view the Bonneville Dam operated by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. One very popular attraction will be the opportunity to view the fish ladders that enable salmon to return to their spawning grounds.
3:45-5:00 p.m. Session 3
A Poverty Simulation (continued)
B Walk A Mile (continued)
C Poverty Simulation (continued)
D High Energy Prices and Low-Income Americans
Moderator: Jennifer Gremmert, Energy Outreach Colorado
Presenter: Patricia Limerick, Ph.D., University of Colorado-Boulder
This workshop allowed participants to engage in an in-depth discussion with Dr. Limerick, who followed up on the points raised during her keynote luncheon speech, "Replacing Conflict with Common Cause -- Building a Permanent Bridge between Social Justice and Environmental Well-Being."
E Poverty Simulation (continued)
F Hot Topics (continued)
G Off-Site Tour: Columbia River Dam (continued)
5:30-7:00 p.m. Evening Reception
Tuesday, June 16, 2008
9:00-10:30 a.m. Plenary Session
Topic: § National Energy Policy: Local Impacts
Moderator: Ken Thiry, Wisconsin Public Service
Speakers: Chuck Eberdt, The Energy Project
Ron Ruggiero, Apollo Alliance
Former Congressman Charles W. Stenholm, Olsson Frank Weeda, representing the American Petroleum Institute
The sea change in American politics in 2008 promises to transform national energy policy. Already the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act has provided a twenty-fold increase in federal weatherization funds and seeded a smart grid for electricity transmission. The U.S. House of Representatives’ energy bill would establish a cap-and-trade program for global warming gases, promote renewable energy and the smart grid, develop green jobs and increase energy efficiency. The ensuing transition in the energy economy will be profound, indeed. The panel will survey extant energy policies along with likely changes and address their impacts on consumer prices. What can be done to mitigate increased economic burdens on working and poor families? What lessons have low-income advocates learned during other energy policy transitions? How can the energy assistance community be “at the table” during this period of energy policy makeover? How can the community find common ground with organizations representing the low income as well as industry, labor and the environment? This session spoke to these crucial questions from a variety of perspectives.
11:00 a.m.-12:15 p.m. Session 4
A § Climate Change Legislation 2009
Moderator: Ivan Brandon, National Fuel Funds Network
Presenters: Ted Case, Oregon Rural Electric Cooperative Association
Marti Doneghy, AARP
Nancy Hirsh, NW Energy Coalition
This session examined the status of proposed climate-change legislation and how the legislation will mitigate the impacts of climate change on low-income families. The question asked is this: How can we ensure that climate-change policies treat poor families fairly?
B Federal Appliance Standards and Energy Conservation
Moderator: Deb Cochenour, Columbia Gas of Pennsylvania
Presenter: Marianne DiMascio, Appliance Standards Awareness Project
Did you know that refrigerators today use one-fourth the energy they did 30 years ago? Appliance standards have played a pivotal role in reducing energy usage in refrigerators and in many other common appliances. Efficiency standards are one of the quickest, easiest and cheapest ways to save energy and reduce energy costs, yet few people are aware of them. By 2020, existing standards will save 672 billion kilowatt hours per year, save consumers over $400 billion and reduce carbon dioxide emissions by 7.7 percent in the United States. In this workshop, participants learned about one of the most successful energy-saving policies, heard about upcoming federal and state activity and found out how to help consumers save money on monthly electric bills.
C LIHEAP: Why Targeting Matters and What Methods Work
Moderator/
Presenter: Lauren Christopher (presentation 1, presentation 2), U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
Presenters: David Carroll, APPRISE, Inc.
Leon Litow, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
Two of the current LIHEAP performance measures that are reported to the Office of Management and Budget and to Congress pertain to targeting vulnerable households. This session presented results from a survey of state LIHEAP targeting procedures and compared them to targeting strategies used by other federal social welfare programs. The presentation included the implications involved in developing a LIHEAP targeting plan and options for expanding LIHEAP performance measurement beyond targeting.
D LIHEAP - The Process From Beginning to End
Moderator: Jamie Stringfellow, Entergy Arkansas
Presenters: Morris Baker, Community Action Program, Abilene, Texas
Kim Campbell, TXU Energy
Michael DeYoung, Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs
This workshop described the LIHEAP process from beginning to end within the state of Texas, answering these questions: How does the state receive federal LIHEAP funds? What is the process that is used to distribute the LIHEAP funds to the sub-grantee organizations across the state? How do these organizations set up and administer their programs? How does a local electric company work with the state and sub-grantee organizations to receive bill-payment assistance for its customers?
E The Intersection of Health Impacts and Access to Energy
Moderator: Chris Baker, AARP Public Policy Institute
Presenters: Paul English, Ph.D., California Department of Public Health
Jacqueline Hutchinson, Human Development Corporation of Metropolitan St. Louis
Financial hardship is not the only ill effect of inadequate home energy and consumer protections. There is a direct link between energy insecurity and adverse health effects, which in turn create pressure on our health and social service systems. This session demonstrated the link between adequate heating and cooling and better health outcomes.
F Sovereign Nations Meet the Feds
Moderator: Charlotte Abney, Office of Community Services, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
Presenters: Yolanda J. Butler, Ph.D., Office of Community Services, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
Tom Carney, U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development
Rod Hansen, U.S. Department of Agriculture
Brandy RayNor-Hill, Office of Community Services, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
Representatives of several departments of federal government discussed programs they provide that are of assistance to tribes and the federal funding that is available, from LIHEAP and weatherization to housing and help in combating hunger. Attendees were encouraged to ask questions.
G Leveraging Low-Income Programs Across Utility Operations
Moderator: Don M. Dasher, Baltimore Gas & Electric Company
Presenters: Chad Quinn and Sean Smiles, Dollar Energy Fund
Utility companies and fuel funds can learn how to leverage their low-income programs to better benefit some of the cross-divisional operations within utility companies. In this workshop, attendees learned how creating and enforcing guidelines in a fuel fund program helps to offset utility collection cost by encouraging cross enrollment in multiple low-income programs (e.g., LIHEAP, weatherization, CAP). This interactive session demonstrated actual utility costs -- terminations, restorations -- and showed how the net gains of fuel fund and community-based assistance grants can help mitigate overall operating costs throughout the utility.
12:30-1:45 p.m. Luncheon
Speaker: Stephen J. Wright, Administrator and CEO, Bonneville Power Administration
2:00-3:15 p.m. Session 5
A § Energy Efficiency for Low-Income Customers
Moderator: Janis Foreman, Sacramento Municipal Utility District
Presenters: Tanya Brothers and Joe Guarinello, HeartShare Human Services of New York
Gloria Thirdkill, Laclede Gas
This workshop looked at energy efficiency programs in two different regions of the country and explored the ways that energy conservation, education and efficiency are marketed and provided to low-income customers.
B The Power of Community and Conservation in Toronto Social Housing
Moderator: Deb Cochenour, Columbia Gas of Pennsylvania
Presenter: Deb Thompson and Elsie Harvey, GLOBE: Green Light On a Better Environment, Toronto, Ontario
Joyce McLean, Toronto Hydro Corporation
Resident buy-in is critical to the success of any mutli-family conservation program. The Social Housing Services Corporation, Green Light on a Better Environment (GLOBE) and Toronto Hydro wanted to take a fresh approach to conservation demand management for social housing in Toronto. Rather than have staff show the residents how to conserve, they wanted the residents to lead the conservation programs themselves and became champions for sustainability. At this workshop, attendees learned how, with training and support from GLOBE and Toronto Hydro, "community champions" have educated their fellow residents and changed their housing communities for the better. The workshop included a short film titled "Greenhouse," which shows how the enthusiasm of kids, the creativity of communities and simple behavioral changes can help us fix past mistakes to create more healthy and sustainable environments for tomorrow.
C Local Program Innovation: How Oregon Fosters Flexibility Among LIHEAP Agencies
Moderator: Melissa Torgerson, Oregon Housing and Community Services
Presenters: Mary Ellen Bennett, Lane County Human Services
John Misterly IV, Oregon Coast Community Action Agency
Chris Shoopman, Umpqua Community Action Network
In Oregon, Assurance 16 funds are known as the "WD 40" of innovative, local program design. Oregon's LIHEAP director and agency coordinators discussed the importance of flexibility in addressing unique, community needs. The workshop highlighted creative local efforts including resource integration, effective targeting and payment structures which encourage long-term energy independence. It also addressed how the statewide energy assistance network collaborates to overcome challenges associated with differences among local programs.
D Grassroots Outreach and Volunteer Training
Moderator: Jennifer Gremmert, Energy Outreach Colorado
Presenters: Barbara Gomes, New Jersey SHARES
David Osborn, Oregon Food Bank
In this workshop, participants learned effective tools for outreach and advocacy from two organizations. The Oregon Food Bank meets its mission with the help of hundreds of volunteers and includes the voices of those they serve in public policy debates. New Jersey SHARES has expanded its agency network from 50 to 238 sites through targeted outreach and collaborative advocacy with anti-poverty networks and membership groups.
E LIHEAPing and Bounding into the Void: Addressing the Needs of the Newly Vulnerable
Moderator: Mike Bradford, The Salvation Army Project SHARE
Presenters: Marsha Belcher, CEDA, Chicago
James M. Jacob, New Jersey SHARES
This workshop looked at how some programs are reaching out to people in need of energy assistance for the first time. It will also focus on new LIHEAP recipients who qualify because of expanded income guidelines.
F Weatherization: Innovative Tribal Programs
Moderator: Corinna Ann Sutter, Bonneville Power Administration
Presenters: Carina Kistler Ginter, Grand Ronde Tribal Housing Authority, Oregon
Jerry Hause, Cowlitz Tribe, Washington
Jody Hill, Burns Paiute Tribe, Oregon
This workshop looked at how to make a weatherization program work. Among the methods discussed are partnering with CAPS, utilities, states and federal programs and leveraging funding sources. Presenters also discussed the issue of whether to use LIHEAP or not use the program. In addition, they examined funding resources for specialized tribal programs and training and certifications.
G Responding to the Growing Needs of Low-Income and At-Risk Customers
Moderator: Becky Harsh, Edison Electric Institute
Presenters: Jeffrey W. Hall, Cleco Corporation
Mary O'Drain, Pacific Gas and Electric Company
The need for assistance is increasing, placing greater demands on utilities to help customers. An uncertain economic outlook, rising energy costs, and a housing crisis have left more and more customers facing significant challenges in making ends meet. As a result, the utility industry is seeing a steady increase in middle income and previously financially stable customers with delinquencies, as well as those simply unable to pay their utility bill. Where this class has traditionally included mostly low- income households, it has since expanded to include a much broader group of customers at risk of being overwhelmed by growing financial hardships. What are utilities doing to address the growing need? How can utilities and providers work together more?
3:45-5:00 p.m. Session 6
A Green Jobs and the Low-Income Workforce
Moderator: Reuben Plantico, Portland General Electric
Presenter: Connie Ashbrook, Oregon Tradeswomen, Inc
Barbara Byrd, Oregon Apollo Alliance
Bryan Fix, SolarWorld Industries America
.
The focus of this workshop was on addressing job opportunities for low-income people in the new, green economy and the efforts of organizations to outreach to this segment of the workforce. Presenters discussed how organizations’ policies ensure that the unemployed, underemployed, people of color and women have access to these programs and careers.
B Home Energy Makeovers: Best Practices
Moderator: Marilyn Grey, Portland General Electric
Presenters: Tom Brodbeck, Multnomah County Department of Human Services
Joan Goldhammer, Alden Potter and Tom Steeves, Rebuilding Together -- Washington County, OR(handouts: History, Mission Statement, Program Offerings, Who We Are)
The Multnomah County Weatherization Program is reducing household energy use and eliminating life and safety problems that can also contribute to poor health and delayed development of children. Washington County’s Rebuilding Together, a local non-profit, is helping low-income homeowners with free repairs including carpentry, plumbing, electrical work, painting, scraping, glazing, handicapped modifications and odd jobs like trash removal.
C § Why a $1 LIHEAP Benefit is Important: The SNAP (Food Stamp)/LIHEAP Connection
Moderator: Kay Joslin, NCAT/LIHEAP Clearinghouse
Presenters: Roger Colton, Fisher, Sheehan & Colton
Melissa Torgerson, Oregon Housing and Community Services
While a $1 or $5 LIHEAP benefit may seem meaningless, it's a common practice in several states as a means to increase SNAP (Food Stamp) benefits for low-income families. Another practice is to adjust the state's Standard Utility Allowance in calculating the SNAP benefits to reflect rising utility bills, in turn increasing SNAP benefits. This session examined how LIHEAP and SNAP can intersect to help families increase household resources and how LIHEAP directors can get involved.
D Programs for Warm-Weather States
Moderator: Raquel Lynch, Crisis Assistance Ministry
Presenters: Jacqueline Hutchinson, Human Development Corporation of Metropolitan St. Louis
Sandra Mendez, Arizona Department of Economic Security
Cynthia Zwick, Arizona Community Action Association
When people discuss energy assistance, they commonly talk about keeping people warm in the winter, yet more people die every year from heat than from cold. This workshop examined programs to help people deal with deadly hot weather. One presenter addressed heat waves and how to collaborate with community response agencies to prevent heat-related deaths. The other discussed advocacy efforts to educate the public and legislators about use of LIHEAP funds to address both summer cooling and winter heating needs.
E Energy Assistance: A World View
Moderator: Alita Corbett, Pepco
Presenters: Bruce Pearce, Global Communities Canada
Lorraine Quinn, eaga, United Kingdom
Erica Stephan, Global Issues Group, British Embassy
Presenters from the United Kingdom and Canada identified approaches being employed in their countries to address energy poverty through aggressive energy efficiency policy and programs targeting low-income communities.
F Tribal Sovereignty and Energy Opportunities
Moderator: Corinna Ann Sutter, Bonneville Power Administration
Presenter: A. David Lester, Council of Energy Resource Tribes
In 1999, the Council of Energy Resource Tribes was instrumental in organizing and facilitating a National Tribal Energy Vision, conceived by more than 60 tribal leaders representing over 250 tribes across the country. The Vision stated that “By the year 2010, every Tribe should have a reliable and affordable source of electricity.” The workshop explored how CERT and member tribes have been working to make energy efficiency an “every tribe” opportunity that is consistent with tribal cultural, social, economic, environmental and sovereignty values.
G Deliverable Fuels in Challenging Times
Moderator: Elizabeth A.D. McCarthy, New England Fuel Institute
Presenter: Matt Cota, Vermont Fuel Dealers Association
In Vermont, 87 percent of LIHEAP benefit dollars go for deliverable fuels. The state is in the process of transitioning to an EBT card system that would distribute benefits directly to fuel assistance recipients. Why the change? The number of applicants in Vermont has increased by 25 percent, but the fuel assistance office has cut staffing due to state budget constraints. While the EBT system will dramatically reduce administrative work by state employees, fuel dealers and low-income advocates are concerned the system will not deliver the benefits in a timely and efficient manner. Also of concern is a new leveraging component that requires a discount off all gallons sold to LIHEAP customers -- even those not paid for with LIHEAP funds. One result could be dealers voluntarily quitting the LIHEAP program, leaving some of Vermont’s LIHEAP households without a supplier.
Wednesday, June 17, 2008
9:00-10:15 a.m. Plenary Session
Topic: § Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiatives: Local Benefits
Moderator: Ron Grosse, Wisconsin Public Service (retired)
Speakers: Bill Drumheller, Oregon Department of Energy and Western Climate Initiative
Jesse Heier, Midwestern Governors Association and Midwestern Greenhouse Gas Reduction Accord
Jim Jacob, New Jersey SHARES
Dale McCormick, MaineHousing and Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative
Several years ago, states began looking toward potential benefits that could be reaped from the establishment of mandatory, market-based efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in the United States. Regional programs were established through which states could sell emission allowances through auctions and invest the proceeds in consumer benefits: energy efficiency, renewable energy and other clean energy technologies. Officials believed that regional initiatives would spur innovation in the clean energy economy and create green jobs in participating states. The early results are in and it would appear that the initiatives are living up to their promise. In this plenary session, panelists from regional programs reported on the success that their efforts have generated to date and looked at potential benefits that could develop in the future.
10:45 a.m.-12:00 p.m. Session 7
A § California Strategic Energy Efficiency Plan
Moderator: Edward Gingold, Federal Energy Regulatory Commission
Presenters: Kelly Hymes, California Public Utilities Commission
Mary O'Drain, Pacific Gas & Electric Company
After completing what may be the most comprehensive low-income energy needs assessment ever undertaken, the California Public Utilities Commission has implemented a comprehensive strategic energy efficiency plan. This session examined what lessons have been learned so far in carrying out the program's goal of helping low-income consumers.
B Energy Audit and Tracking Software: Improving Transparency, Compliance, Efficiency and Service
Moderator: Deb Cochenour, Columbia Gas of Pennsylvania
Presenters: Brad Forgey, Roeing Corporation
Lily Li, Hancock Energy Software
Funding for low-income Weatherization Assistance Programs increased dramatically through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. With this increase, tracking, reporting, and operational efficiency become paramount. The presenters explained how their auditing and reporting software helps states improve transparency, comply with reporting requirements, reduce errors, ensure program efficiency, and provide quality service to their clients.
C § More Money, More Challenges: How Dramatically Increased Funding Impacts LIHEAP
Moderator: John Harvanko, Office of Energy Assistance Programs, Minnesota Department of Commerce
Presenters: Diane Fay, Washington Department of Community, Trade and Economic Development (Handouts: 3-Year LIHEAP Summary, 2007 Statistics, 2008 Statistics, 2009 Statistics, Peaks & Valleys)
Celeste Lovett, New Hampshire Office of Energy and Planning (Handouts: LIHEAP Allocations, NH 3-Year LIHEAP Summary, NH 2009 Incentive, NH 2009 Supplemental)
Sandra Mendez, Arizona Department of Economic Security
LIHEAP funding reached a historic high of $5.1 billion this year. How did the states handle this unexpected increase? This session detailed impacts on state programs thus far – foreseen and unforeseen, positive and negative – and projected what lies ahead for the remainder of the year.
D § Reaching Out to Immigrant and Migrant Communities
Moderator/
Presenter: Tom Stovall, Operation: New View CAA
Presenters: Mary Ann Kobylanski and John Keeney, New England Farm Workers' Council (Handouts: Utility Rights Flyer, Door Hangers, Fuel Assistance Newspaper Insert, Fuel Facts 2009, Pamphlet, Pamphlet in Spanish, Poster-Big News, Poster-Fuel)
How do we outreach to diverse populations with language and cultural differences? The need for energy assistance and other basic services is steadily increasing in migrant and immigrant communities. Two non-profit service agencies have developed successful strategies to reach and serve these communities. The New England Farm Workers' Council networks with various agencies and offices to set up satellite intake sites to help migrant and immigrant communities in need of LIHEAP and other assistance. Iowa's Operation: New View Community Action agency creates opportunities like LIHEAP Day for Spanish speakers, with interpreters available.
E § Increasing the Household Budget: Income Supplement Programs
Moderator: Ron Elwood, Legal Services Advocacy Project
Presenters: Jeff Kleen, Oregon Food Bank
Pamela Gallant, Universal Service Administrative Company
Kathy Howell, Internal Revenue Service
Food Stamps, the Earned Income Tax Credit and the Telephone Lifeline Program are three well-established federal programs that can help low-income households' bottom lines. In this workshop, a panel of experts provided a basic introduction to these programs including who is eligible, the size of the benefits and where to apply. It is hoped that participants will explore opportunities to coordinate outreach so that low-income households will have access not only to energy assistance but to these other benefits, as well.
F § Developing Tribal LIHEAP Programs: Guidance for New Coordinators
Moderator/
Presenter: Charlotte Abney, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
Presenter: Sandra Cross, Tlingit-Haida Regional Housing Authority (New Home, REACH)
A representative from the federal LIHEAP office and an experienced tribal LIHEAP coordinator discussed designing, applying for and implementing a tribal LIHEAP Program. The discussion focused on HHS block grant policy, the model plan format, funding allocations, state and tribal agreements, flexibility and responsibility, tips on setting up programs and common hurdles to overcome. Bring your questions!
G Disaster Planning and Preparation
Moderator: Don M. Dasher, Baltimore Gas & Electric Company
Presenter: Patty Riddlebarger, Entergy Corporation
Zack Rosenburg, St. Bernard Project
A situation in which millions of customers lose electricity or gas service is not something any utility ever wants to face. Yet, many of our utilities have faced these situations as a result of disasters. Utility outage response plans require multiple levels of planning, organization and coordination. This session shared how utilities prepared for and responded to hurricanes, ice storms or floods, addressing the human aspects and the engineering challenges of restoring service in the worst of times.
12:00-1:15 p.m. NFFN/NLIEC Awards Luncheon
1:30-2:45 p.m. Session 8
A No Workshop Scheduled
B No Workshop Scheduled
C Innovative Fundraising: Successful Case Studies in an Uncertain Economy
Moderator: Judi Martin, Omaha Public Power District
Presenters: Marsha Belcher, CEDA, Chicago
Erin O'Donnell, Dollar Energy Fund
Has the current state of the economy impacted your fundraising? One organization is allowing donors to specify the neighborhood to which their donation is applied. Another organization took a successful event from another city and replicated it in its own territory. Attendees can learn the results of both approaches in this workshop on how to raise money for fuel funds both internally and externally.
D One-Stop Shop: Programs Where People Can Sign Up Successfully for Multiple Forms of Help -- CANCELLED
E § The New Face of Poverty: Ask the Experts
Moderator: Ron Grosse, Wisconsin Public Service (retired)
Presenters: Chris Baker, AARP
Jim Jacob, New Jersey SHARES
Olivia Wein, National Consumer Law Center
The current recession has led to an increase in unemployment and a more varied constituency for energy assistance. This workshop looked at some of the issues facing the "new poor" and the stresses their needs place on the existing support network.
F Special Q&A on American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009
Presenters: Marianna "Brandy" RayNor-Hill, Latasha Abney and Marsha Werner, Division of State Assistance, Office of Community Services, Administration for Children and Families, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
Staff from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Division of State Assistance were available to join with tribal representatives for a discussion of key issues. Among them are targeting assistance, implementing the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA) guidance for CSBG, reporting requirements and optimizing economic results under ARRA. The session was intended to provide attendees with a better understanding of the Act, its application and distribution of funds, income eligibility requirements and obligating and expending funds.
G No Workshop Scheduled
2:45-3:15 p.m. Closing Session
Speakers: Cindy Datig, Chairperson, National Low Income Energy Consortium
Sue Montgomery Corey, Chairperson, National Fuel Funds Network
Linda Flores-Guerra, Bexar County Community Investment
© 2009, National Energy and Utility Affordability Conference, presented by the National Fuel Funds Network and National Low Income Energy Consortium