Number: RS20761
Title: LIHEAP and Residential Energy Costs
Authors: Bernard A. Gelb, Resources, Science, and Industry Division 
Abstract: Among considerations in setting funding levels for the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) are current prices of residential energy. Those prices fell in real terms for most of the years since the program began and energy efficiency gains probably have reduced the amount of energy required to provide a given level of comfort and convenience. However, the aggregate cost in current dollars of energy used by low-income households has risen over the last 25 years and residential energy prices have increased recently. Federal LIHEAP funding has not kept pace with the increases, but this does not necessarily mean that funding has failed to keep pace with "need."
Pages: 6
Date: March 7, 2006