Assessing the Needs of California's Low-Income Population

Kathleen Gaffney, KEMA, Inc.

Keywords

Abstract

This paper presents the results of a comprehensive study of the energy-related needs of California’s low-income population. This study was commissioned to direct future policy regarding the various low-income energy programs offered in the state. These programs include the California Alternate Rate for Energy (CARE) Program, which provides a rate discount to qualified low-income customers, and the Low-Income Energy Efficiency (LIEE) Program, which installs weatherization and energy efficiency measures in qualified dwellings at no charge.

As part of this needs assessment, onsite surveys of over 1,500 of California’s low-income households were completed to profile the underlying demographic, socio-economic, dwellingtype and geographic characteristics of the eligible population. Using information collected from energy audits and detailed customer interviews, issues such as energy burden and energy insecurity, household comfort, health and safety, and energy efficiency potential were explored. In addition, the study included a thorough assessment of the barriers to participate in the programs, including such factors as program awareness, reluctance to accept aid, and fear or distrust.

This paper has presented the results of this first-ever comprehensive study of the energyrelated needs and perceptions among California’s low-income population. These results can be used to direct future policy regarding the various low-income energy programs offered in the state. Differences across different demographic groups have been discussed as they indicate ways in which program outreach can be more effectively targeted.