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The Impact Of Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program Participation On Household Energy Insecurity

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  • ANTHONY G. MURRAY
  • BRADFORD F. MILLS

Abstract

type="main" xml:lang="en"> The impact of the low-income home energy assistance program (LIHEAP), the single largest energy assistance program available to poor households in the United States has received little rigorous attention. If LIHEAP participation significantly improves low-income household energy security, funding cuts or eliminating the program could negatively impact the poor. This article empirically estimates the impact of LIHEAP on household energy security. The results indicate participation in LIHEAP significantly increases energy security in low-income households. Simulations suggest that elimination of the current household energy-assistance safety net will decrease the number of low-income energy secure households by over 17%. (JEL I38, Q48)

Suggested Citation

  • Anthony G. Murray & Bradford F. Mills, 2014. "The Impact Of Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program Participation On Household Energy Insecurity," Contemporary Economic Policy, Western Economic Association International, vol. 32(4), pages 811-825, October.
    • Handle: RePEc:bla:coecpo:v:32:y:2014:i:4:p:811-825
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    3. Nikolla, Dorina & Mills, Bradford F. & Murray, Anthony G. & Tuttle, Charlotte, 2017. "Heat and Eat: The Impact of the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program on Household Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Participation," 2017 Annual Meeting, July 30-August 1, Chicago, Illinois 258116, Agricultural and Applied Economics Association.
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    7. Graff, Michelle & Pirog, Maureen, 2019. "Red tape is not so hot: Asset tests impact participation in the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program," Energy Policy, Elsevier, vol. 129(C), pages 749-764.
    8. Boateng, Godfred O. & Balogun, Mobolanle R. & Dada, Festus O. & Armah, Frederick A., 2020. "Household energy insecurity: dimensions and consequences for women, infants and children in low- and middle-income countries," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 258(C).
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    More about this item

    JEL classification:

    • I38 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Welfare, Well-Being, and Poverty - - - Government Programs; Provision and Effects of Welfare Programs
    • Q48 - Agricultural and Natural Resource Economics; Environmental and Ecological Economics - - Energy - - - Government Policy

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