Monday, June 13, 2005

1A - Statewide Consumer Education
Moderator: Mary Grassi, HeartShare Human Services of New York
Speaker: Francine Sevel, National Regulatory Research Institute
Speaker: Jean Browne, $1 Energy Fund, Inc.

This workshop will highlight low-income consumer education programs. Presenters will share their experiences with different approaches to reach out across large areas to deliver important messages. They will explore methods of achieving outreach objectives by incorporating unique program designs and discuss program results.

1B - WAP Update
Speaker: Robert Adams, National Association for State Community Services Programs
Speaker: Elizabeth Cahall, US Department of Energy - Mid-Atlantic Region

If you are new to the Weatherization Program, don’t miss out on this informative session designed specifically for beginners. Federal and State representatives will discuss the basics about the Program, how it was derived, how it is funded, who operates it, what kinds of services are available and where the Program is headed. You will learn about the requirements of the network members and ways in which innovation has enhanced the Program’s success.

1C - LIHEAP Legislative Update
Moderator: Olivia Wein, National Consumer Law Center
Speaker: Kris Sarri, Senate Northeast-Midwest Coalition
Speaker: Mark Wolfe, National Energy Assistance Directors’Association

This past winter was one of the toughest ever for low-income households, making the perennial issues of LIHEAP appropriations all the more important for the households you serve and represent. Hear from our panel of Capitol Hill experts about what to expect for LIHEAP funding in 2006 and what national policy issues may impact the program. Also learn what you can do to impact decisions. If you work with LIHEAP, have clients or customers who receive LIHEAP, or want more insight on LIHEAP policy and funding issues, don’t miss this session.

1D - Low-Income Customers: Affordable Service and Utility Profit
Moderator: Jerrold Oppenheim, Democracy and Regulation
Speaker: Wally Nixon, Law Office of Walter W. Nixon III
Speaker: Penni McLean-Conner, NSTAR
Speaker: Ron Grosse, Wisconsin Public Service (retired)

Management of arrearages (and related programs) can increase utility revenue while reducing costs and risks at the same time providing affordable, continuous utility service for customers. Arrearages need not equal low-income families freezing or sweltering or living in the dark while utility executives explain cutoffsto their regulators and losses to their Boards. Her what persuades advocates, executives and regulators to join in affordable, profitable programs to keep utility service on.

1E - Defining Need and Locating Resource Moderator: Roger Colton, Fisher, Sheehan and Colton
Speaker: Kinsey Alden Dinan, National Center for Children in Poverty

See a demonstration of the Family Resource Simulator that shows how state and federal policies interact to affect low- to moderate-income families. The National Center for Children in Poverty has designed this web-based tool for policy makers, advocates and researchers to show the aggregate impact of state and federal policies on family resources and expenses as earnings increase. The Simulator can be used to calculate available resources as earnings and eligibility for public benefits increase or decrease and it’s able to indicate how much families need to be economically self-sufficient.

Phoenix is famous for its desert climate, with more than 325 days of brilliant sunshine each year. This can be a huge attraction for tourism and vacationers but also presents the potential for severe hardships if not dealt with properly. Dave Muncie is a popular local Meteorologist who will discuss forecasting the Arizona weather and the challenges of dealing with the temperatures of the region.

2A - National Weather Service Heat Advisory Warning Systems
Moderator: Russell Clark,Arizona Weatherization Assistance Program (retired)
Speaker: Tony Haffer, National Weather Service - Phoenix
Speaker: Jon Skindlov, Salt River Project

This session will acquaint attendees with the current development of the National Weather Service Heat Advisory System. This important initiative was developed after the disastrous 1995 Chicago Heat Wave. Using the Heat Watch/Heat Warning System developed for the Phoenix Metropolitan Area, meteorologists Jon Skindlov of Salt River Project and Tony Haffer of the Metropolitan Weather Service Office will explain how the system works in the Phoenix area and the procedure by which the system analysis is shared with the public and other important agencies.

2B - Bad Housing & Energy Affordability Crises: The Weatherization Connection
Moderator: Judy Mason, Community Action Partnership
Speaker: Roger Colton, Fisher, Sheehan & Colton
Speaker: Meg Power, Economic Opportunity Studies, Inc.

Research by EOS will be presented that shows a close connection between inability to pay energy bills and living in sub-standard homes. Meg Power will show how results can be tailored to help get involved with Weatherization and housing or community improvement programs - and free up state housing and LIHEAP funds for use in home repair. Also presented will be research by FSC that documents the relationship between unaffordable energy and the ability to stay in housing. Roger Colton’s advocacy for an accurate federal shelter formula has resulted in new tools to win deeper housing subsidies for qualified families. Although this session will offer ideas about using the improved regulations and programs to provide more assistance to consumers, the session’s primary focus is on the advantages to us and our clients of marketing improved housing quality through a combination of weatherization and major repairs.

2C - Tribal LIHEAP Issues: An Overview
Speaker: Charlotte Abney, HHS, Division of Energy Assistance
Speaker: Nick St.Angelo, HHS, Division of Energy Assistance
Speaker: Jerry Snell, Cherokee Nation
Speaker: Judi Houle, Chippewa Cree Tribe

In this first of two special sessions for and about LIHEAP tribal grantees, HHS staff will conduct a guided “tour” of the federal requirements of running a tribal program. The staff will review the LIHEAP Tribal Information Manual and offer guidance on the administrative costs limitation for tribes applying for LIHEAP funds. Also covered will be tribal allocations using US Census numbers or state tribal agreements, Crisis Intervention Programs and the Leveraging Incentive Program.

2D - PIPP’s, EAP’s, APP’s: Decoding Affordable Payment Plans
Moderator: Sherry Vogel, LIHEAP Clearing House
Speaker: John T. Colgan, Illinois Community Action Association
Speaker: Matt Guglielmetti, Rhode Island Department of Administration

Attempts to develop affordable payment plans that supplement LIHEAP have a long history, and history can help us determine what has worked and what has failed. You’ll hear about Rhode Island’s former LIHEAP based PIPP that has been modified over the years to meet changing needs, and the state’s recent attempt to attain state funding for a larger program. In addition, an Illinois Community Action leader will discuss Illinois’ initiative to leverage public benefits funds with LIHEAP to develop a more equitable statewide affordable payment plan.

2E - Advocacy 101 and Reality at the Roots
Moderator: Jerry McKim, State of Iowa Energy Assistance Office
Speaker: Bonnie McEwan, Douglas Gould & Company
Speaker: Danielle Nantkes, Nebraska Appleseed Center

Funded by the Ford Foundation and coordinated by Douglas Gould & Company, a public interest communications firm, “For an Economy That Works For All” is a communications research and technical assistance project. The project is refining messages and strategic communications tools and techniques to help raise public awareness about the conditions affecting low-wage workers, and the need for government and corporate policy changes. Reality at the Roots is a state-wide photography project that gives real people a chance to take pictures of their lives and use them to tell others about the issues they think are important. This grassroots project mobilized individuals at community organizations across Nebraska to document their lives and issues. Come learn about these two innovative advocacy initiatives. 

3A - Experience the Joy of Adding Appreciation and Humor to Your Tool Box!
Moderator: Patty Terpin, Columbia Gas
Speaker: Lee Smedley, Smedley Consulting

Chill out, cool down and get rid of that frown! Sometimes we get so caught up in our day-to-day activities and work challenges that we lose sight of the real joy and satisfaction that comes from the work we do. This session is designed to help us focus on the “good stuff” about ourselves, and the work we do. In this highly interactive session, Dr. Lee Smedley will work with participants to help them appreciate themselves and their work, to take care of themselves and to add humor to their toolbox.

3B - Tribal Power
Speaker: Geoff Crandall, MSB Energy Associates, Inc.
Speaker: Dave Castillo, Inter Tribal Council of Arizona, Inc.

Learn from two experts in the field about strategies for expanding tribal capacity to deliver weatherization work. Come hear about other energy efficiency strategies including wind and solar tribal initiatives.

3C - Dialogue With the Feds
Moderator: Leon Litow, HHS, Division of Energy Assistance
Speaker: Nick St.Angelo, HHS, Division of Energy Assistance
Speaker: Rosa Chapman, HHS, Division of Energy Assistance

Meet the key administrative staff from the federal Office of Community Service, Division of Energy Assistance who will discuss the latest issues affecting LIHEAP. The staff will also share their expertise on a variety of topics including REAC leveraging programs and illegal immigration issues. As an added plus, the panel will be happy to take your questions.

3D - The Freeze is Over: Rate Caps and Rate Implications
Moderator: Don Dasher, BGE - A Member of the Constellation Group
Speaker: Sheldon Switzer, BGE - A Member of the Constellation Group
Speaker: Nancy Brockway, NBrockway & Assoc.

Gather an understanding of the electric pricing structure in a post-deregulated company. Learn how “rate freezes” strategically impact the electric pricing environment for those companies that have gone through deregulation and the effect on customers.

3E - Intervention 101
Moderator: Jerry McKim, State of Iowa Energy Assistance Office
Speaker: John Howat, National Consumer Law Center

With change comes opportunity. For those groups who feel they need more than just a guidebook on how to intervene, NCLC energy and audit staff will deliver the “Basics of Utility Interventions” training. The goal of the training is to increase the number of advocates with the basic skills necessary for intervening. This session will be a basic training course.

Speakers:
The Honorable Shirley Baca,
New Mexico Public Regulation Commission
The Honorable Deirdre Manning, Commissioner, Massachusetts Department of Telecommunications & Energy
The Honorable Gregory Sopkin, Chairman, Colorado Public Utility Commission
The Honorable Marc Spitzer, Commissioner, Arizona Corporation Commission

The energy world has been changing and evolving for several years. The rapid pace of change and the complexity of the issues can seem overwhelming. We often feel powerless to deal with the ideas and forces that shape energy policy and ultimately determine the delivery and cost of these critically needed products and services. Join us at this town hall meeting and unravel the mystery of the regulatory process. Once we understand the regulatory process, we can find our place at the table and make a real difference on state and national energy issues. A dynamic panel of utility regulators will address the role we can play as advocates for change and will answer our questions. It has been said, “The journey of a thousand miles begins with one step.” Take that step; join us to find your place at the table.

4A - Wheel of Fortune! Developing Your Development
Moderator: Deb Cochenour, Columbia Gas of Pennsylvania
Speaker: Cindy Datig, $1 Energy Fund, Inc.
Speaker: Jeff Jameson, $1 Energy Fund, Inc.

Many organizations have hidden assets just waiting to be utilized in ways you may not have imagined. This workshop will define the differences between development activities/fundraising development vs. business development. Presenters will explain how traditional funding development strategies can be used to spawn business development opportunities. You will learn how business development planning and implementation rely on, enhance and are enhanced by fundraising activities. This highly interactive workshop promises to get you out of your seat and working together with other participants to move your organizations ahead.

4B - Energy Poverty: Effects on Housing and Household Wellbeing
Moderator: Sue Present, National Low Income Energy Consortium
Speaker: David Carroll,APPRISE Inc.
Speaker: Carrie-Ann Ferraro,APPRISE Inc

This spring, APPRISE undertook a project for NLIEC in which it analyzed statistical housing and energy data to learn more about the energy adequacy and affordability and the affect on people’s wellbeing. The study focused on Arizona, in particular the Phoenix Metropolitan Area, and specific Phoenix area neighborhoods. In this workshop the researchers will present their findings and will discuss ways in which advocates, administrators and other stakeholders can utilize this information to make a real difference in the lives of low-income consumers.

4C - Energy Assistance Eligibility Issues
Speaker: Glenn Cooper, Colorado DHS, Office of Self Sufficiency
Speaker: Moises Gallegos, City of Phoenix, Department of Human Services

In times of limited resources and increased demand, energy assistance administrators face tough choices when it comes to setting program eligibility guidelines. Thorny issues such as an applicant’s assets, income level, immigration status and income verification further complicate the process. This session will feature two speakers who will discuss how they have handled these issues. Our local speaker will explain how a recently passed initiative limiting immigrants’ access to certain services has been implemented. If time allows, we’ll have an interactive discussion of other LIHEAP eligibility issues.

4D - Arsenic Regulation: Understanding the Issues and Its Impact on Customers
Moderator: Phil Dion,Arizona Corporation Commission
Speaker: The Honorable Marc Spitzer,Arizona Corporation Commission
Speaker: Jeffrey Jamison, City of Phoenix, Department of Human Services
Speaker: Greg Patterson, Investor Owned Water Association

Understand the Water/Arsenic regulation and its impact on affordability. Learn how low-income customers may get help. Hear from the Arizona Corporation Commission, the water industry, and a water assistance program about these issues.

4E - Tribal Lifeline: Local Phone Rates as Low as $1.00
Moderator: Charlie Harak, National Consumer Law Center
Speaker: Tracey Rascon,Affiliated Tribes of Northwest Indians
Speaker: Geoffrey Blackwell, Federal Communications Commission (invited)
Speaker: Pam Gallant Universal Service Administrative Company

Telephone service subscribership is among the lowest in the nation for those living on Tribal lands. Recently, the Federal Communication Commission substantially expanded the size of the Lifeline Discount for those living on Tribal lands. Attend this workshop to hear about the Tribal Lifeline rate and the successes and barriers to promoting the program.

5A - Outcomes and Program Measurements
Moderator: Jeff Jameson, $1 Energy Fund, Inc.
Speaker: Sean Smiles, $1 Energy Fund, Inc.

Information Technology (IT) is often misunderstood by non-technical people. However, if you understand that IT can bridge gaps in your organization and if you guide the expenditures and goals of your technical staff, technology can be an integral part in attaining the results that are critical to your organization’s mission. Learn more about the value IT can offer your program.

5B/6B - Tour - Solar Exploration in Phoenix
Facilitator: Robert Adams, National Association for State Community Services Programs

Tour Provider: APS STAR Center Phoenix and its surrounding area have cultivated the Sun to create hundreds of solar projects using the Sun to provide electricity and hot water in commercial and residential buildings. Thanks to the help of local organizations a select number of Conference attendees will have an opportunity to tour several of these buildings and learn how the Sun can give us affordable and non-polluting energy. Note: Advance tour registration is required and space is limited. Register for this tour and receive logistical information at the Conference Registration Desk. Comfortable clothing and closed-toe shoes are required as a portion of the tour will be outside on rough terrain.

5C - Strengthening Energy Assistance Through Arrearage Management Speaker: Theo MacGregor, MacGregor Energy Consultancy
Speaker: Dave Rinebolt, Ohio Partners for Affordable Energy

An increasing number of energy assistance programs offer some mechanism for helping recipients tackle their past due bills. A variety of mechanisms are in place such as partial or gradual forgiveness of arrears, as well as complete forgiveness for certain classes of customer. Get a national overview of the various programs now in place, the pros and cons of each, and what evaluations tell us about what works best. You’ll hear how citizen groups in Ohio worked to attain arrearage forgiveness through the legislative and rate-setting process.

5D - What Happened to Consumer Protections?
Moderator: Ron Grosse,Wisconsin Public Service (retired)
Speaker: Barbara Alexander, Consumer Affairs Consultant

When state regulators started to change rules to open markets for electric and gas competition, the billing, collection and consumer protection rules were generally not fully addressed. In addition, many rules haven’t been updated for years. Where is your jurisdiction and how can you work for positive change in protections for all consumers? An expert in consumer protection will explore some of today’s critical issues.

5E - Energy Poverty and Affordable Housing Programs
Moderator: Jerry McKim, State of Iowa Energy Assistance Office
Speaker: Roger Colton, Fisher, Sheehan and Colton

The United States Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) requires recipients of federal housing dollars to prepare a Consolidation Plan. Using experience from six states, this session will review what energy data is relevant to the Consolidated Plan and what remedies are appropriate to ask for through the Consolidated Plan. The session will teach participants how to advocate for inserting energy considerations into this HUD affordable housing planning process.

6A - Clowning Around: A New Approach to Energy Education
Moderator: Louise Moskowitz,Arizona Public Service
Speaker: Terry “Malcolm” Ricketts,Arizona Public Service

When being around clowns, one has lots of fun. When being around electricity, one needs to be safe. Join Malcolm having fun around electricity and learn how to use it safely and wisely.

6B (Continued from 5B) - Tour - Solar Exploration in Phoenix

6C - LIHEAP Home Energy Notebook: Greatest Hits
Moderator: Leon Litow, HHS, Division of Energy Assistance
Speaker: David Carroll,APPRISE, Inc.

This session will present the latest available statistics about the LIHEAP program, including recent information and special studies about the effectiveness of LIHEAP. Experts will explain how to use the LIHEAP Home Energy Notebook to get low-income energy consumption and expenditure data. They will also discuss trends in LIHEAP over time. In addition, presenters will provide an overview of the research the LIHEAP office has conducted during the past decade.

6D - Rural Community Action Agencies in Arizona
Moderator: Mindy Wakefield, Maricopa County Human Services Department
Speaker: Judy Starn-Purtick, Northern Arizona Council of Governments
Speaker: Mary Lou Rosales, Community Action Human Resources Agency
Speaker: JR Ramirez, Southeastern Arizona Community Action Program

Understand the needs, barriers and best practices of assisting rural low-income households with their energy burden. The panel will address the needs of rural Community Action Agencies, trends in service demand, funding issues, and efforts in maintaining a viable service delivery system.

6E - Future Energy Prices and Impacts on Low-Income Households, Eligible and Not Eligible For LIHEAP
Moderator: Charlie Harak, National Consumer Law Center
Speaker: Joel Eisenberg, Oak Ridge National Laboratory
Speaker: Meg Power, Economic Opportunity Studies, Inc.

Joel Eisenberg will review the Department of Energy’s price forecasts and analyze the reasons for expected changes in energy prices and the factors legislation and regulation can still affect. Meg Power will review the ways advocates for energy consumers can use historic government data on households who report not paying energy bills and current trends in household incomes to define the scope of the problem caused by unprecedented energy bills, not only for those eligible for LIHEAP but also for moderate-income households. Potential solutions will be proposed for your reactions and suggestions.

7A - Energy Education Through Research & Evaluation
Moderator: Jeff Jameson, $1 Energy Fund, Inc.
Speaker: David Carroll,APPRISE, Inc.
Speaker: Jacqueline Berger,APPRISE, Inc.

Evaluation of low-income energy programs show that clients are motivated to reduce energy usage, but that providers are not successful at focusing clients in changes in behavior that will result in the largest reductions in energy usage. This session will present findings from evaluations of low-income energy education programs and new research to improve impacts from education.

7B - Hot Climate Initiatives
Moderator: Robert Adams, National Association for State Community Services Programs
Speaker: Alex Moore, D&R International, Inc. (invited)
Speaker: Willie Whitehead,Alabama Department of Economic and Community Development

Even though energy use and energy burden are as high in Maine as they are in Mississippi, the techniques for applying Weatherization services differ slightly in warmer climates of the country. You will learn about how the Weatherization Assistance Program is using research and training to increase the application of technologies appropriate for these climates and the kinds of results being achieved. You will also learn about the barriers that were overcome to meet the challenges confronting the Program in warmer climate states.

7C - LIHEAP Tribal Interactive Roundtable Overview
Moderator: Charlotte Abney, HHS, Division of Energy Assistance
Speaker: Anna Guidery, HHS, Division of Energy Assistance
Speaker: Pauline Alva, Eagle Chasing Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe
Speaker: Linda Walker, Confederated Tribes and Bands of the Yakama Nation
Speaker: Dorothy Winnier, Confederated Tribes and Bands of the Yakama Nation
Speaker: Vicky Connelly, Blackfeet Tribe
Speaker: Jerry Snell, Cherokee Nation
Speaker: Curtis Hogner, Cherokee Nation
Speaker: Judi Houle, Chippewa Cree Tribe

This session will feature roundtable discussions on issues facing tribes. Tribal Directors will lead small group discussions on topics such as leveraging, REACH, eligibility issues, vendor issues, vendor agreements, targeting benefits and other topics of interest gleaned from a survey of tribes prior to the conference.

7D - Credit Scoring - Impact on Low-Income Customers
Moderator: Don Dasher, BGE - A Member of the  Constellation Group
Speaker: Lawrence Nowicki, Columbia Gas of Pennsylvania

Credit Scoring is now being used by some utilities to mitigate risk. The advent of methods like credit scoring frequently creates a lively discussion within our community. Information is the key to evaluation. Come and hear how utilities that are using credit scoring are creating a win-win solution for them and their customers.

7E Leveraging Additional Resources for Low-Income Households
Speaker: Charlie Harak, National Consumer Law Center
Speaker: Geoff Crandall, MSB Energy Associates, Inc.

This session provides examples of successful leveraging initiatives. Presenters will discuss strategies for getting unclaimed utility refunds and deposits directed toward low-income customers as well as other innovative ideas.

8A - Borrower Beware - Predatory Lending Practices
Moderator: Betsy Bolding,Tuscon Electric Power
Speaker: Karin Uhlich, Southwest Center for Economic Integrity
Speaker: Rick Rhey, Southwest Fair Housing Council

Come and hear about the issues related to predatory mortgage and payday/consumer lending. Speakers will share the results of two recent studies conducted by the Southwest Fair Housing Council and the Southwest Center for Economic Integrity on foreclosures and on payday lending. The session will address how these loans are typically structured and what to watch for. You will also hear a discussion of strategies for remedying the potential negative impacts of these practices.

8B - Making WAP-Utility Partnerships Smoother & More Substantial
Moderator: Meg Power, Economic Opportunity Studies, Inc.
Speaker: Jack Laverty, Columbia Gas of Ohio
Speaker: Linda McQueen, North Coast Energy Services

Some utility programs include practices that make Weatherization programs distort their priorities or spend extra funds. Some have insufficient (or no) overhead allowance; some want help “branding” their contribution; some want to apply strict cost tests to all their contributions; some even take the lowest bidder. By contrast, others have evolved into a flexible design that allows effective investments to be managed easily with WAP and provide program income to the local agency. Hear about the best and worst practices from those who have worked through the issues and managed change in their programs’ design.

8C (Continued from 7C) - LIHEAP Tribal Interactive Roundtable Overview

8D - Pre-Payment Meters: Good Customer Relationships
Moderator: Don Dasher, BGE - A Member of the Constellation Group
Speaker: Bonnie Temme, Salt River Project
Speaker: Betty Pruitt, Salt River Project

Learn how one utility has helped low-income households stay connected while managing usage and the household budget. Gather an understanding of how pre-payment meters have empowered customers to take responsible actions. Learn how this initiative has a direct impact on all customers and their rates.

8E - Water Affordability: Rising Bills and Drowning Clients
Moderator: Olivia Wein, National Consumer Law Center
Speaker: Cindy Datig, $1Energy Fund
Speaker: Blanca Surgeon, Rural Community Assistance Corporation

Water and sewer rates have been rising faster than the rate of inflation and the need to shield low-income consumers is growing. Come hear about what is driving up water bills. Learn about existing water affordability programs, available water and wastewater technical assistance for small water systems and Congressional activity on water infrastructure financing.