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? Beginning with FFY 2026, Assurance 16 funds will be used to integrate existing energy programs and enhance services for households with complex needs. Outcomes include reduced energy burden, improved payment patterns, energy conservation, and improved self-sufficiency. Sub-grantees consider community need and local program design when determining how to utilize Assurance 16 funding. Allowable uses include, but are not limited to, needs assessments, budget planning, arrearage management, energy education, energy saving incentives, and supplemental bill payment. 13.2 How do you ensure that you don't use more than 5% of your LIHEAP funds for these activities? These funds are allocated as a unique line item and sub-grantee budgets are monitored carefully for activities that could be captured under this assurance. 13.3 Describe the impact of such activities on the number of households served in the previous federal Fiscal Year. Beginning in FFY 2026, all sub-grantees are required to include a description of how they will use Assurance 16 funding. At a minimum this includes eligibility criteria, benefit determination, description of services, and how these funds will be integrated within the overall LIHEAP program, and the impact(s) on the households served. 13.4 Describe the level of direct benefits provided to those households in the previous federal Fiscal Year. Beginning in FFY 2026, sub-grantees will be required to track the level of direct benefits (if any) that are provided to households. 13.5 How many households received these services? 0 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.