(Revised 10/01 ML #2711)
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All heating assistance applicants will automatically be referred for energy conservation services (Item 5 on SFN 1295 and Item 7 on SFN 529).
Discussion with applicants who live in poor quality housing, that have high-energy usage, or who are demonstrating a pattern of reliance on Energy Assistance should focus on the benefits of conservation services.
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Energy conservation will stretch LIHEAP dollars.
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The amount of money required for heating from the applicant's own pocket is reduced.
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The conservation and weatherization services will continue to reduce energy costs, so even if the applicant is not eligible for LIHEAP, the out-of-pocket costs will be lower.
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Their home will be more comfortable with fewer drafts and cold spots
The long range advantage of taking the extra time to encourage participation in conservation services now is that program expenditures will be reduced, allowing more people to be served and reducing the chances that benefit levels will have to be decreased in the future.
