13 Reduction of home energy needs,2605(b)(16) - Assurance 16

13.1 Describe how you use LIHEAP funds to provide services that encourage and enable households to reduce their home energy needs and thereby the need for energy assistance? In accordance with LIHEAP regulations and pending the availability of funds, Subgrantees provide such services as: needs assessment, budget counseling, energy education/awareness and vendor relations as part of the ongoing servicing of eligible households. These services, under Assurance 16 of the HEAP statute, are directed toward households that may be in financial/energy crisis requiring individual attention beyond the standard course of action. The Commonwealth of Massachusetts encourages working with utilities on issues impacting users, particularly elders, expanding education, awareness efforts, and referrals. Massachusetts monitors the Assurance 16 activities conducted by Subgrantees through annual contracting and monitoring process to ensure compliance with funding requirements. 13.2 How do you ensure that you don't use more than 5% of your LIHEAP funds for these activities? The amounts set aside to fund these activities are predetermined by Massachusetts so that it does not exceed the 5% threshold. 13.3 Describe the impact of such activities on the number of households served in the previous federal Fiscal Year. Subgrantee staff work with deliverable and utility vendors to prevent emergency situations like running out of fuel and termination of service. Further they work to enroll applicants into arrearage management programs (AMPs) and assist to arrive at affordable monthly budget payments. Enrollment in AMP leverages millions of dollars for LIHEAP clients. For those that engage in budget management activities, households track their monthly income and engage in activities that improve their understanding of their household expenses and methods of decreasing those expenses when possible. 13.4 Describe the level of direct benefits provided to those households in the previous federal Fiscal Year. The amount of direct benefits expended from the previous fiscal year was $128,866,068 (through April 30, 2025). 13.5 How many households received these services? 152,472 as of 6/23/25 If any of the above questions require further explanation or clarification that could not be made in the fields provided, attach a document with said explanation here.