Case Studies: Energy Affordability
Arkansas
Description: To improve energy affordability for low-income residents in Arkansas, the Arkansas Community Action Agencies Association formed a Steering Committee of stakeholders, which then convened two forums. The first educated both stakeholders and the public about the nature and extent of the problem and to explore models from other states. A second forum was held to engage participants in developing plans to address the three priorities identified through the forum: formation of a statewide fuel fund; expansion of a sales tax exemption for utility services; and expansion of the state's federally-funded weatherization energy efficiency program. Work groups were subsequently formed to address each of the priorities.
Dates active: April 2006-present
Sub-issue(s): Energy, poverty
Level(s): State
Initiators: Community group (Arkansas Community Action Agencies Association)
Particular goals: To find ways to fund energy for state's low-income residents
Number of participants/year: around 100
Population of community: Arkansas population (2006 estimate) - 2,810,872
Time spent by participants: one day
Staffing/funding: ACAAA staff
How meetings were structured: Forum/multiple workgroups
Sample outcomes: The workgroup to develop the statewide fuel fund formed an organization, the Arkansas Energy Network (AEN), which has incorporated and will soon be able to receive public funds and private donations. A bill was filed to provide a portion of start-up funds to assist AEN in coordinating and administering utility company fuel funds and churches' utility assistance programs. Members of the weatherization work group have been actively involved in both a legislative initiative and the Public Service Commission's collaborative process to expand weatherization services.
Benefits: N/A
Related resources:
This case contributed by: Policy Consensus Initiative, 2007