Transportation expenses are the second largest household expense for most families. Can electric vehicles help reduce transportation costs for families?
Read More about Drive Cleaner, Pay Less: EVs and Affordability
Policymakers and regulators must make utility services more affordable and end disconnections in severe weather.
Read More about Report Calls for Ban on Utility Disconnections During Extreme Heat
These are brief comments to HHS requesting that the agency retain the collection of data on LIHEAP recipients regarding race, ethnicity and sex and urging HHS to make the data available in its LIHEAP Data Warehouse.
This sign on letter is part of a TURN campaign to fight ACA -9, a bill that would remove the state utility commission’s jurisdiction over telecommunications providers. CA has the most robust state Lifeline low-income program that is administered by the CPUC. The CPUC is also active with telecom merger reviews and ensuring that all…
These written comments to the Massachusetts Department of Public Utilities oppose adding increased fixed charges to utility bills.
This is written testimony to the DC Council Housing Committee on B26 0595 True Act, a ratio utility billing systems (RUBS) transparency bill. The testimony recommends the DC Council prohibit RUBS and lists the harms to tenants and to energy and water conservation goals for the District of Columbia. The testimony provides examples from other…
Read More about Testimony to DC Council Housing Committee on B26 0595 True Act
This is sign-on testimony in support of Maryland HB1253 to stop the ability of regulated gas companies to put ratepayers on the hooks for tens of billions of dollars for gas line replacement that does not prioritize public safety, more cost effective alternatives and it stops the ability of gas companies to bypass the normal…
The letter is about the failure of a regulated gas company in MD (WGL) to comply with state law regarding gas infrastructure replacement, Next Generation Energy Act (modifies the STRIDE law), to prioritize safety and demonstrate cost effectiveness, including repair of gas lines over replacement. Marylanders are overpaying for gas because of industry abuses that…
Read More about Sign-on Letter to Maryland PSC Re WGL's Compliance with a Gas Line Replacement Law
Strong consumer protection policies and program designs should be incorporated into emerging energy efficiency and resilience projects in order to promote affordability and access. These policies support community resilience and housing security and provide a basis for stronger energy financing solutions. They also strengthen the delivery of government programs. Robust consumer protections ensure that strong…
Read More about Comment Letter to SEEC Institute's Thriving Economy Project RFI
This brief addresses consumer protection concerns with Inclusive Utility Investment (IUI)/Tariffed On-Bill Financing/Pay As You Save® (PAYS®) (referred to collectively as “TOB”), particularly the dangers of these loans for low-income consumers. It also recommends important state-specific considerations, guardrails, and safer alternatives. Although this brief focuses on protections for low-income residential customers, many of the recommended…
Read More about Tariffed On-Bill Financing Poses Significant Risks for Low-Income Consumers
“These findings paint an alarming picture of the growing challenges families face in heating and cooling their homes and keeping the lights on."
Read More about New Data Shows Alarming Rise in Home Energy Insecurity
2024 Residential Energy Consumption Survey findings reflect a rise in home energy insecurity particularly among households of color, households in the South Census Region, and low-income households across the country. Recommendations include: implementation of enhanced bill assistance, energy efficiency, regulatory consumer protection programs and policies, along with investment in relatively low-cost renewable energy resources.
