Energy, Utility and Telecommunications

Soaring energy prices are having devastating effects on family finances across the country, especially in low-income households. In most states, the package of protections against service terminations, efficiency programs, and payment assistance programs are inadequate to ensure universal access to a basic level of utility service. Low-income energy efficiency programs must be expanded to minimize the amount of energy these households need. Just as important, programs and policies must be adopted to address the growing gap between home energy costs and the ability of low-income families to bear those costs.

The Principles for Energy and Water Security for All Americans (PDF)

Climate Change: Principles for Protecting Low- and Moderate- Income Consumers by Mitigating the Costs of Climate Change Policy and Investing in Re-building Communities

Key Reasons to Use NCLC's Consulting Services on Energy, Utilities and Telecommunications

NCLC’s staff of experts can provide unique and cost-effective consulting services concerning electric, natural gas, water, and telecommunications issues. NCLC provides services not available elsewhere, at affordable rates. We are recognized as leaders in:

1. Design of low-income energy payment assistance, arrearage management and energy efficiency programs
2. Providing legal representation to low-income consumer groups in a broad range of utility proceedings
3. Development of successful models to dramatically increase program outreach
4. Advocacy for funding of federal and state fuel assistance and weatherization programs, dating back over 25 years
5. Design and implementation of regulatory consumer protections
6. Application of a unique blend of legal, policy, technical and empirical research skills
7. Training frontline staff to identify utility consumer protection issues
8. Building consumer advocacy capacity at the state level
9. Providing expert testimony in utility regulatory and other proceedings

For further information, contact: John Howat at jhowat@nclc.org or 617-542-8010.

Area of Expertise

• Energy Efficiency
• Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)
• Telecommunications
• Water
• Electric and Gas
• Other Low-Income Utility Issues
  

• Partial List of Recent and Current Clients
• NCLC's Energy and Utility Staff
• NCLC’s Energy and Utility Publications

Access to Utility Service (2006)

Help NCLC make a difference

NCLC consulting services are not available to advance purely commercial or business interests.