Assessment of LIHEAP and WAP Program Participation and the Effects on Wisconsin's Low-Income Population: An Examination of Program Effects on Arrearage Levels and Payment Patterns

Johna Roth and Nick Hall, TecMarket Works

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Abstract

This paper examines the differences in the Wisconsin Home Energy Assistance Program and the Weatherization Assistance Program’s effects over a short-term period of six months before participants receive an Energy Assistance (EA) payment, compared to the six-month period following the receipt of the payment. This study examined the differences between the pre- and post-EA payment periods for both WHEAP-only participants and those enrolled in both WHEAP and WAP for the following metrics:

Arrearage level (the amount of past due debt owed to the utility)
Days to pay a utility bill when paid
Percent of the utility bill paid when paid

The results of this study indicate that participant arrearages are substantially reduced by the program payments and this effect lasts most of the year that follows the receipt of the program payment. The arrearage level carried by participants returns to pre-participation levels in about nine months.