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More Sample Grant Proposals |
Sample Grant Proposal: Low-Income Wind Energy Project
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population. Among other models, the project will provide technical assistance on the Clark
County Public Utility District’s current Guarantee of Service Plan. Under REACh I, most
utilities felt the GOSP model to be too complicated. Research conducted by Clark County PUD
shows that after implementing its GOSP program, delinquent balances fell from 67% to only
37%, and power disconnects declined by 65%. The most impressive finding was that the
regularity of bill paying by low-income households increased. Once low-income customers felt
their utility bills were under control, they paid on average $23 more per month on their bills. Not
only did the regularity of bill payments increase, the amount paid also increased. Low-income
customers benefited through reduced shut-offs, uncertainty and administrative hassles. Utilities
and their ratepayers saved significant costs through lower write-offs, administrative costs and
increased customer payments. Thus, the model is created for a cost-effective investment on the
part of the utility rather than a “give-away” program, a “win-win” situation for both low-income
households and utilities. This data clearly indicates that the Clark County model program can
avoid family energy crisis and provide financial incentives that encourage household payments.
At the same time the model will show utilities that it is in their interest to reduce low-income
family energy burden. We expect to have similar results when implementing energy assistance
programs under REACh II.
The goal of replicability is embedded in the project. In fact, the project design calls for
replicating the model program developed in Grays Harbor County in other parts of Washington
State. Lessons learned in this transition will be applicable to replication in other parts of the
country as well. As information is collected and results determined, a report will be developed
that outlines both the process and outcomes of this project. That report will be distributed to all
project partners (utilities, CBOs) and the Steering Committee. The reported is intended to be
used as a marketing tool to encourage government bodies, utilities and CBOs across the country
to pursue supply-side energy assistance models. The report will be written in a succinct, non-
technical, jargon-free manner for public consumption.
The 60 investor owned and public utilities in Washington will receive this report. Follow up
contacts will be made to discuss the report’s findings and answer any questions the utility may
have.
A.W.I.S.H will put a report summary on its web site and make presentations at conferences such
as the Energy Northwest Conference, which includes representatives from Washington, Oregon,
Alaska and Idaho state governments and the U.S. Department of Energy. A.W.I.S.H will also
make the report available to pertinent groups at the state (e.g., Energy Advisory Steering
Committee of CTED) and national level (e.g., National Association of Community Action
Agencies).
Holistic Program Strategies and Project Innovations
Integration with LIHEAP, DOE WAP, and Other Self-Sufficiency Programs
The energy assistance generated by Interventions 1-4 will be distributed by LIHEAP/DOE WAP
agencies using their existing intake staff. Agencies will provide the following services to
eligible clients as appropriate:
