Assurance 16: States and Territories

Assurance 16 
(A-16) services are structured to encourage and enable households to reduce their home energy usage and ultimately their dependence on energy assistance. A-16 activities include needs assessments, counseling referrals to other services, education programs on ways to save energy and to implement household budgeting. Energy Efficiency Education and Counseling. Assurance 16 provide targeted energy education services to help households manage their utility consumption. These efforts contribute to lower utility bills and increased household knowledge of sustainable energy practices. Key features include: Individual and group sessions on energy efficiency. Education on cost-saving practices such as LED lighting, smart thermostat use, and weatherization techniques. Referrals to Weatherization Assistance Programs and other community resources. Integration of budgeting concepts alongside energy education.   

Case Management for Crisis Applicants
Expanded support for households in crisis, particularly those at risk of utility disconnection or carrying arrears can help to stabilize households facing immediate utility-related hardships. Services include: One-on-one case management for Crisis applicants. Development of personalized action plans addressing energy burden. Support with arrearage reduction and vendor mediation. Referrals to fuel banks and other assistance programs. Financial literacy resources that are integrated into client plans.   

Budgeting Skills Development  
A key component of Assurance 16 in 2024 was the inclusion of financial literacy and budgeting education. These efforts promote improved confidence in handling household finances and reduced reliance on emergency utility aid. Workshops and counseling sessions covered: Budget creation and money management techniques. Understanding and managing utility bills and household expenses. Setting financial goals and building emergency savings. Credit education and debt reduction strategies.

Local Service Providers address the energy needs of low-income households by conducting a thorough energy needs assessment of each client, providing budget counseling, energy conservation education, and coordination with utility companies. Whenever possible, weatherization services are also provided to offer a preventive, holistic and long-term solution to energy needs. 

Local Service Providers maintain a source document that substantiates that the client was provided these services. The document is kept on file by the contractor and is reviewed during routine program evaluation.

Energy Coordinating Agency (ECA) and Milford Housing Development Corporation (MHDC) provide clients with EcoKits and energy conservation education through the RRHACE program. EcoKits include: 

• LED light bulbs and night lights,
• caulk tubes and rope caulk, door sweeps,
• low-flow shower heads and aerators,
• and energy education materials. 

First State Community Action Agency (FSCAA), Delaware's designated anti-poverty agency, plays a critical role in supporting low-income residents by administering two essential energy assistance programs: 

• Replacing/Repairing Heaters & Conserving Energy Program (RRHACE) – Provides assistance with heating system repairs and replacements while educating households on energy conservation.
• Summer Cooling Assistance Program (SCAP) – Offers cooling assistance to vulnerable populations, particularly during extreme summer conditions, and promotes energy-efficient cooling practices. 

These programs focus on energy education, utility cost management, and referrals to additional support services. 

FSCAA also promotes the distribution of energy-saving products to help households reduce energy consumption and costs. A fundamental component of these initiatives is the Assurance 16 Energy Education Program, which equips vulnerable populations with the knowledge and tools to make informed decisions about their energy usage, helping them achieve long-term energy efficiency and financial stability. 

The Role of the Energy Educator 

FSCAA utilizes Assurance 16 funding to employ a dedicated Energy Educator, whose primary responsibility is to assist households in reducing energy waste, lowering utility bills, and implementing sustainable energy practices. By working directly with RRHACE and SCAP participants, the Energy Educator provides tailored education and resources that enable families to make smarter energy choices. 

Through a combination of home assessments, one-on-one consultations, and community outreach, the educator helps Delaware residents improve household energy efficiency and lower overall energy expenses. 

Key Responsibilities of the Energy Educator 

1. Comprehensive Home Energy Audits Conducts in-depth assessments of household energy consumption to identify inefficiencies, areas of waste, and potential improvements. Evaluates appliance usage, insulation levels, air leakage, heating and cooling systems, and lighting efficiency to recommend actionable energy-saving strategies.
2. Baseline Energy Consumption Analysis Establishes baseline energy usage data for participating households to track progress and measure the impact of energy-saving efforts. Uses energy tracking tools to monitor household energy reductions over time.
3. Personalized Energy-Saving Consultations Provides individualized coaching to help families understand their energy consumption patterns. Identifies behaviors that contribute to excessive energy costs and offers customized solutions for improvement. Encourages simple but effective energy-saving habits, such as adjusting thermostat settings, unplugging unused devices, and using energy-efficient appliances.
4. EcoKit Distribution & Demonstration Supplies households with Energy Conservation Kits (EcoKits) containing energy-efficient products, such as: LED light bulbs Smart power strips Weather-stripping materials Faucet aerators and low-flow showerheads Demonstrates proper installation and usage of EcoKit items, ensuring participants maximize their benefits.
5. HVAC System Optimization Educates families on the proper use and maintenance of heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems. Provides best practices for thermostat settings, filter replacement, and seasonal adjustments to improve efficiency.
6. EcoKit Installation & Impact Assessment Assists households with the installation of EcoKit components to ensure proper use. Conducts follow-up assessments to evaluate the effectiveness of the installed products in reducing energy consumption.
7. Budget & Utility Bill Counseling Helps participants understand their utility bills, including identifying high-cost factors and opportunities for savings. Provides strategies to avoid late fees, service disconnections, and reconnection charges. Assists in setting up payment plans or applying for additional financial assistance programs.
8. Referral to Additional Resources Connects families to other non-LIHEAP assistance programs, including: Job training programs Housing assistance initiatives Weatherization programs Provides information on community resources that support energy conservation and financial stability.
9. Energy Savings Tracking & Progress Reporting Creates and distributes Energy Report Cards, which provide: A visual representation of energy savings using easy-to-read infographics. 

Comparisons of past and present energy consumption to highlight improvements. Helps families recognize the tangible benefits of their energy-saving efforts and encourages continued conservation. 

Community Outreach & Educational Workshops

Beyond direct household consultations, the Energy Educator leads community workshops and interactive learning sessions to extend the reach of energy education. These workshops provide accessible, hands-on learning experiences to help participants develop long-term energy-saving habits. For Fiscal Year (FY) 2026, FSCAA will expand its outreach by targeting specific demographic groups, including: 

• Seniors on fixed incomes – Offering tailored strategies to manage energy use efficiently while maintaining comfort.
• Youth participants – Integrating energy education into existing FSCAA, DHSS, and partner programs to instill energy-conscious habits at an early age.
• Low-income families – Providing comprehensive training on energy-efficient home practices, budgeting strategies, and available financial assistance programs. 

Workshop Features: 

• Live and virtual sessions via Zoom or phone calls to ensure accessibility.
• Hands-on demonstrations of energy-saving techniques and EcoKit usage.
• Customized content based on the unique needs of different community groups.
• Collaborations with local organizations to strengthen outreach efforts.

• Include information on level payment plans during energy education, targeted to vulnerable populations and fixed income participants;
• In-home energy education to support installation of utility-provided kit materials;
• Purchase of low cost/no cost energy conservation items for non-regulated electric utility customers;
• Leverage supplemental payments for participants who were unable to obtain their LIHEAP benefits;
• Referral to the Weatherization Assistance Program;
• Referral to available utility-funded energy conservation programs/services; and
• Advocacy on behalf of households with home energy vendor to prevent disconnection.

Indiana uses LIHEAP funds to conduct Family Development and Energy Education. Family Development provides low-income households with short-term and long-term case management. Clients set goals and receive referrals for education, budgeting, home energy assessments, employment, child care, and a range of other self-sufficiency tools. EAP clients may also receive energy education which focuses mainly on energy conservation techniques. Some LSPs have given pre-test and post-tests to households to determine how the client's energy education knowledge changed after receiving energy education. 

For FFY2026, we are continuing with the changes we made to our model in FFY2025 and are not allowing all LSPs to budget a portion of their subaward to Assurance 16 activities. Instead, all interested LSPs have submitted a proposal on how they intend to perform and measure and report the impact of Assurance 16-allowable activities, including their budget for these activities and the associated reporting. IHCDA will approve plans that appear likely to achieve a demonstrable impact and allow for reporting metrics.

Examples may include:

• Conservation Education
  • Printing and furnishing information about how to reduce energy usage (e.g., workshops, handouts, brochures, etc.)
  • How to obtain energy efficiency services (e.g., referrals)
  • One-on-one energy education
• Conservation Education - materials are required to be distributed to all households applying for LIHEAP, including crisis applications.
• Low-Cost Energy Efficiency Measures - Examples include: plastic, heating unit filters, energy kits, etc.
• Vendor Advocacy - Helping the client effectively communicate with the vendor to maintain service, etc.
• Needs Assessment and Referral - Reviewing the client’s case record and identifying the most appropriate referrals
• Financial Counseling - Working with the client to improve financial management skills and proactively manage energy bills
• Case Management – Short Term Developing information and materials about services available to LIHEAP clients Developing an understanding of a client’s needs and offering counseling during LIHEAP intake
• Case Management – Long Term Developing a curriculum and training materials for service delivery Working with clients on energy education and/or financial counseling over an extended time period.

LIHEAP funds were used to support a range of services aimed at reducing household energy needs: 

• Energy Education: Over 2809 households participated in energy-saving education through one-on-one sessions, small group guidance, and county-specific classes.
• Workshops: 600 households attended workshops focused on budgeting, credit, and energy conservation strategies.
• Behavioral Change Support: Follow-up surveys were conducted to assess behavioral changes in energy use.
• Weatherization Referrals: 108 households were referred or assisted with Weatherization Assistance Program applications.
• Case Management: 175 households received Individualized case management which  included energy-focused planning and referrals to additional resources.

Subgrantees may submit annual proposals for MaineHousing's consideration, describing their planned activities and expenses associated with providing services to applicants pursuant to Assurance 16 of the HEAP Act. Assurance 16 funds may only be used to fund activities that encourage and enable eligible households to reduce their home energy needs and thereby the need for energy assistance. 

Only LIHEAP eligible households may receive Assurance 16 services. The services being funded by Assurance 16 must be energy related and may include family development case management and education activities. Subgrantees are required to have proper fiscal controls to ensure the LIHEAP funds are expended proportional to the overall funding sources using proper cost allocation methodology. There must be proper documentation of participation and a methodology to measure outcomes from the Assurance 16 activities. 

Salaries and benefit costs for any staff providing services that encourage and enable households to reduce their home energy needs and thereby the need for energy assistance are allowable. Additionally, direct costs associated with providing these services, including supplies, equipment, postage, utilities, rental office space, and travel costs incurred for official business are also allowable. 

Services that are already provided as part of the delivery of other federal programs cannot be charged to Assurance 16. Examples:

• Working with an electric utility to forestall a shut-off as part of providing an Energy Crisis Intervention Program (ECIP) benefit cannot be charged to Assurance 16 because this activity is already required and funded under ECIP.
• Outreach/Intake services, regardless of where they are provided, or who (which staff member/position) provides them, cannot be charged to Assurance 16. These activities are already required under HEAP fuel assistance, and therefore, do not provide an additional benefit to eligible households.
• Mailed out applications are not allowed to be charged to Assurance 16.
• Indirect charges cannot be charged to Assurance 16.
• Client referrals to other programs or resources that are not related to clients' home energy needs or do not reflect an additional net benefit for the client.

In accordance with HEAP regulations and pending the availability of funds, Subgrantees provide such services as: needs assessment, budget counseling, energy education/awareness and vendor relations as part of the ongoing servicing of eligible households. These services, under Assurance 16 of the HEAP statute, are directed toward households that may be in financial/energy crisis requiring individual attention beyond the standard course of action. 

The Commonwealth of Massachusetts encourages working with utilities on issues impacting users, particularly elders, expanding education, awareness efforts, and referrals. Massachusetts monitors the Assurance 16 activities conducted by Subgrantees through annual contracting and monitoring process to ensure compliance with funding requirements.

Assurance 16 funding is allocated to the Michigan Energy Assistance Program (MEAP) to provide self sufficiency services to households approved for crisis assistance through SER. The goal in providing A16 services to SER recipients is to reduce energy costs and their need for assistance. Michigan Public Act of 2012 states, "Energy assistance must include services that will enable participants to become or move toward becoming self-sufficient, including assisting participants in paying their energy bills on time, assisting participants in budgeting for and contributing to their ability to provide for energy expenses, and assisting participants in utilizing energy services to optimize on energy efficiency."

Allowable self-sufficiency expenditures are included in the MEAP manual and include needs assessment, budgeting assistance, energy education, and providing assistance to households to enroll in affordable payment plans offered by their energy provider(s). 

Households who receive weatherization services may also receive Assurance 16 services, as part of the WAP. 

Assurance 16 services may include providing supplies for home energy assessments, solar installations as well as purchasing and distributing home energy kits to households.  

MDHHS when possible. may provide scholarships to clients directly to attain energy efficiency training. If not possible, these funds will go to contractors to broaden the workforce to perform energy-efficiency improvements in client homes. These scholarships will be for the Michigan Training and Education Center (MiTEC), the State of Michigan’s Weatherization training center. The estimated cost to train an entry level person to be ready to work in the energy efficiency workforce is approximately $2,650. Therefore, at the $1.5M funding level, over 500 clients and/or contractors could be trained to enter the Energy Efficiency workforce and provide these services to clients.

Minnesota uses LIHEAP funds to provide services that encourage and enable households to reduce their home energy needs and thereby the need for energy assistance. Commerce refers to supported activities as “Assurance 16 (A16).” A16 allowable activities include:

• Budget counseling
• Energy conservation education
• Facilitation of household negotiations for budget payments
• Advocacy with fuel suppliers on behalf of households
• Household energy assessments
• Referrals
• Case management

Assurance 16 services are provided through ten (10) local Human Resource Development Councils. Each administering agency targets client education activities for eligible households in accordance with annual work plans submitted by each agency. Each work plan describes the eligible activity and then describes how the activity will be accomplished. All LIHEAP applicants are eligible for Assurance 16 activities. Examples of activities include:

LIHEAP Eligible Households: 

• Maintain a display rack of pamphlets about conservation; Public Service Commission regulations and the companies they regulate; understanding "unbundled bills"; Consumer Credit Counseling, etc.
• Design, produce and distribute more extensive energy information to those households outlining general energy information, energy conservation information, and notifying if the availability of vendor discounts, low-cost/no-cost materials, emergency furnace repairs, and referrals to other resources.
• Design, produce and distribute more extensive energy information to those households who request additional information in the form of a newsletter.

Referrals:

• Make appropriate referrals to programs about job training, retraining, housing, etc. to help applicants become more self-sufficient.
• Have work stations available for clients to review newspapers, use phones, practice computer skills, create resumes, and access internet websites to research the availability of resources that may help them to become more self-sufficient.
• Give or send card confirming receipt of LIHEAP application and reinforcing awareness of responsibility for paying utility costs until receipt of Letter of Notification and after benefit has been exhausted and providing additional energy information.

Other Activities: 

• Encourage low income clients to participate in budget billing, to stay in contact with fuel vendors, and to make arrangements on accounts in arears.
• Advocate when necessary.
• Make LIHEAP available starting in September to allow the deliverable fuel customers who receive LIHEAP benefits to purchase deliverable fuel when prices are lower.
• Information and education on reading the meter is provided.
• Information on fuel bill analysis is provided.
• Energy savings tips are provided.
• Information is provided on water heaters.
• Information on flushing the hot water tank is also provided.
• Collaborate with other non-profits to work with financially vulnerable individuals..

Leveraging Additional Resources: 

• Work with vendors to develop, expand, modify and/or continue discounts relative to age, disability and/or low-income status.
• Provide eligibility determination, referrals and notification to various vendors for low to moderate income households to receive a variety of discounts, fee waivers and emergency funding.
• Staff salary and fringe, telephone costs, postage, travel, and space costs to provide client education services.

In order to comply with Section 2605(b)(16) of the LIHEAP statute (42 U.S.C & 8624(b)(16))- Assurance 16, Development will provide a maximum of 5% of the total annual State of Ohio LIHEAP allocation to encourage and enable households to reduce their home energy needs. Funding is available annually through a request for proposal process. Applications will be received and reviewed on a first-come, first-served basis during the open application period. 

The request for proposal will outline the following: 

• Duration of program (annual award vs. one-time).
• Requested funding amount, uses and any leveraged resources.
• Description of the project and how the project will reduce the household’s energy burden.
• Anticipated outcomes.
• Methodologies for tracking outcomes. 

If the applicant is awarded funds, they will be required to report on the number of households served and the impact on those households (including pre- and post-testing, client survey responses, etc.).   

Examples of how LIHEAP funds have been provided through Assurance 16 includes the following:   

• The Breathing Association – Provides energy efficiency education and assessments, energy saving referrals and energy saving kits through its mobile medical unit and lung clinic.   
• Community Action Agency of Columbiana County, Inc – Provides home repairs services, local food pantry locations, and other housing programs to perform outreach.   
• Highland – Assist residents in setting up and maintaining their budgets, helping them to independently manage their reduced energy bills.   
• Mahoning Youngstown Community Action Partnership – Provides energy efficiency education, energy efficiency audits with 60-day reviews, and energy efficiency kits.   
• Ohio Energy Project – Provides energy efficiency education and energy efficiency kits through its E3 smart program that works with classrooms (students and teachers) in underserved regions in Ohio.  
• West Ohio Community Action Partnership – Provides energy efficiency education, energy efficiency assessments, energy efficiency kits, case management, energy and financial counseling.   
• Clean Energy 4 All – Provided energy efficiency education, energy efficiency audits, program referrals for household efficiency improvements and oversite of the improvements.   
• Northwestern Ohio Community Action Commission, INC – Provides benefits to clients with reduction in energy, installation of energy efficient bulbs and replacement of high energy use appliances to help relieve the energy burden.   
• True Vision Community Development Corporation – Provides comprehensive financial counseling services, develop skills to work effectively with utilities on affordable payment arrangements, and better understand how to manage their energy usage and energy bills.   
• Ohio Partners for Affordable Energy – Identify and target low-income homes with a high energy burden and offer a suite of energy conservation program services to those identified families.   
• Step Forward – Provide education and financial literacy training through hosting virtual and onsite learning activities on strategies to reduce household energy costs and financial literacy education to promote economic stability.   
• Kno-Ho-Co Ashland – Provide an energy efficiency program that will provide clients with energy saving materials, including energy efficient LED bulbs to replace their incandescent and compact florescent light bulbs (CFLs), provide shower heads and aerators, discharge pipe and smart strips and pipe wraps, thus reducing their energy consumption and their electric bills.

Some agencies offer specific classes to clients to help reduce the energy burden, but we do not collect their attendance data. Energy saver flyers are provided to clients and one on one counseling takes place. 

Sub-grantees conduct Assurance 16 activities at their local agency. Examples are as follows: 

• Provide energy conservation education in the form of Calendars, pamphlets and fact sheets at the time of application intake. This material will encourage energy conservation and provide the Low Income Home Energy Assistance client with the knowledge to reduce their home energy cost.
• Provide energy saving videos in lobby while waiting to be assisted and given energy guides. One on one measures will be spoken about to the beneficiary.
• A survey of this year’s beneficiaries to measure the effectiveness of last years measures.
• Partner with Green Spaces (local energy efficiency educator) to reduce energy usage. Green Spaces will conduct monthly workshops to those interested in reducing energy costs in their homes. We are focusing on Financial Case Management, Energy Conservation Education and Energy Saver Kits.

We contract with The Energy Project (TEP) to provide testimony in rate cases to ensure low-income populations are represented at the Utility and Transportation Commission (UTC) meetings. TEP provides education to the UTC and other parties on the need for low-income services and inclusion of low-income provisions in rate cases, and utility-provided assistance programs for low-income customers.   

Each local agency has the option to provide conservation education to applicants. This can occur during the intake process, through a group workshop, or an in-home visit. Local agencies provide their conservation plan in their annual application to provide LIHEAP services, which Commerce approves. Any conservation education services provided are done so equitably to all households served. Conservation education services include but are not limited to: 

• Energy conservation education classes
• Informational videos
• Handouts/flyers
• Energy conservation kits
• Review and education of the household’s energy usage and costs
• Hands-on conservation exhibits
• In-home visits in conjunction with weatherization home energy efficiency assessments
• Engaging with the Utilities and Transportation Commission on rate cases
• Educating legislative staff on the energy issues faced by our shared customers

The State of Wisconsin may, through contract with local LIHEAP providers and/or under contract with the Wisconsin Community Action Program and/or through arrangements with other service providers, engage in the following activities:

1. Budget counseling, energy conservation training, advocacy with fuel suppliers, household energy assessments and referrals.
2. Support for services provided by leveraged funds. These services will include those provided under regular crisis assistance, but only when non-federal funds are used toward copayments, etc.
3. Intensive case management targeted to households selected from those as "high heating costs compared to household income" and "high heating costs for dwelling type”.