NEW HAMPSHIRE STATE PUBLIC BENEFIT FUNDS FOR RATE ASSISTANCE

Beginning October 1, 2002, the tiered-discount program (TDP) will replace the Interim Energy Assistance Program (EAP), adopted in 1999. The Interim EAP provides a discount of approximately 25 percent on the electric bills of eligible households and served about 13,000 households in 2001, at a cost of $1.1 million.

The TDP is a modified percentage of income plan. The tiers are structured to provide qualified low-income households with monthly energy bill payments equal to, on average, four percent of income for general use customers and six percent for electric heat users. Local community action agencies determine eligibility based on income levels and then identify the discount that goes with each income level. Overall, the discounts range from 15 to 90 percent.

The TDP will reach 23,800 households with estimated start-up and administrative costs of $2.6 million. This leaves approximately $10 million for the EAP, including upfront arrearage retirement.

See electricity utility restructuring for more details.

LEVERAGING

2001: $1.1 million
2000: $402,858