The Utility of the Future and Low-Income Households

Energy efficiency investments, especially when directed at low-income communities, reduce costs to utilities, thereby lowering rates for all customers. A new model that focuses on low-income households will benefit the utility by easing demand on the grid, increasing on-time payments, and reducing expenditures on debt collection and shutoffs. In a future in which households have options for energy resources outside of the traditional utility, reduced operating costs and lower rates are vital to helping utilities maintain a competitive edge.