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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMemo - Mail Packet - 7/30/2019 - Memorandum From Lisa Rosintoski Re: Utilities Affordability Portfolio UpdateUtilities electric · stormwater · wastewater · water 222 Laporte Ave. PO Box 580 Fort Collins, CO 80522-0580 970.212.2900 V/TDD: 711 utilities@fcgov.com fcgov.com/utilities M E M O R A N D U M DATE: July 19, 2019 TO: Mayor Troxell and Councilmembers FROM: Lisa Rosintoski, Utilities Deputy Director, Customer Connections THROUGH: Darin Atteberry, City Manager Jeff Mihelich, Deputy City Manager Kevin R. Gertig, Utilities Executive Director RE: Utilities Affordability Portfolio Update The purpose of this memo is to provide an update on the Utilities Affordability Portfolio programs and the Income Qualified Assistance Program results for year one. Bottom Line The Utilities Affordability Portfolio (UAP) was implemented to assist low-income Fort Collins Utilities customers, that receive either water, wastewater or electric services, through a variety of programs. The UAP consists of the following programs: UAP Portfolio Direct Assistance Programs:  Medical Assistance Program: Qualifying households that require medically necessary electrical equipment or air conditioning may receive a discounted electric rate.  Payment Assistance Fund: Households with a current past due notice may receive financial assistance once per 12-month cycle on their electric and/or water bill.  Income Qualified Assistance Program (IQAP): A 23% rate discount on electric, water and/or wastewater charges for customers who receive LEAP. The program also facilitates efficiency and conservation opportunities to further lower bills.  Solar Affordability Program: Annual credit applied to qualifying households from aggregated credit received by solar generation. 25 customers enrolled in 2018; more than 600 will receive credit at the end of 2019. DocuSign Envelope ID: 3A555CF2-EAD2-4A17-ACE7-BBD1484CD045 7/22/2019 7/22/2019 7/24/2019 7/24/2019 All annual results for 2019 are year-to-date and may have a delay in reporting time and program enrollment periods may fall later in the year. UAP Portfolio Indirect Assistance Programs:  Larimer County Conservation Corp: Free home efficiency assessments and product installations through Larimer County Conservation Corps. Equipment installed includes LED bulbs, sink aerators, showerheads and toilets. DocuSign Envelope ID: 3A555CF2-EAD2-4A17-ACE7-BBD1484CD045  Various supporting partnerships: Colorado Affordable Residential Energy (CARE) Program, Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP), Larimer Home Improvement Program (LHIP), Nonprofit Energy Efficiency Program (NEEP) Below is a summary of the outreach tactics, current portfolio participation stats, planned engagement strategies and proposed revisions to the IQAP for the program’s second season. Utilities Affordability Portfolio Summary: Utilities staff has worked diligently with local service providers, regional partners and community members to provide education, resources and utility bill assistance through several program offerings. Utilities staff also leads a regional collaborative meeting with other municipalities, departments and stakeholders. Programs have been designed to address previously identified barriers to increase participation, including transportation, accessibility, convenience and access to trusted resources. A comprehensive communication, outreach and engagement strategy is the cornerstone of residential awareness and participation and we strive to “bring service offerings” to the residents through several tactics. Outreach has included:  City-owned media  Earned media through community and statewide partnerships  Paid media  Community events  Partnership outreach with nonprofits and businesses  Social media marketing DocuSign Envelope ID: 3A555CF2-EAD2-4A17-ACE7-BBD1484CD045 The UAP leverages statewide partnerships including Energy Outreach Colorado and Colorado’s Department of Human Services. Local outreach includes:  Senior living associations  Mobile home parks  Nonprofits (i.e. La Familia, United Way and Discover Goodwill)  Senior Advisory Boards  Energy and Water Boards  Professional for Seniors network Utilities staff also has worked with the City Manager’s Office and Sustainability Department, and multiple City departments, to provide integrated resources, streamlined applications, and continues to work together to consolidate eligibility criteria between City low-income programs. Outreach type and reach:  Bill insert/City News – 10 occurrences to ~49,000 customers each time  Community events – 22 events/presentations  Direct mail/email – 10 mailings/emails to ~3,000 customers  General outreach – 16 general outreach awareness and promotions  Lobby presence (222 Laporte) –17.75 staff hours over 2-month period  Partnerships – 60 agencies/partners contacted  Social media – 10 social media ads/promos reaching 16,176 people  Utilities website updates, seasonal promotions Customer Participation in 2018-2019 Direct Assistance: Funds are given directly to customers designed to provide bill payment relief. Indirect Assistance includes materials or services designed to reduce use and/or increase energy or water efficiency for the dwelling and has potential long-term Utility bill reduction for current and future dwelling occupants. *most current available data for 2019 Income Qualified Assistance Program Status Average Monthly Participation 723 Total Utility Bill Savings $ 36,637 Average Household Savings $ 50.71 DocuSign Envelope ID: 3A555CF2-EAD2-4A17-ACE7-BBD1484CD045 IQAP began in October 2018 and continuous enrollment in UAP programs, including the IQAP, remains in effect. All participants are required to complete efficiency education hours. This season, 10% completed a free home energy assessment through the Larimer County Conservation Corp. The re-enrollment period for IQAP will begin in late summer 2019. As part of the Citywide low-income benefits/rebates streamlining and consolidation efforts, Utilities staff will be providing direct, targeted and centralized outreach in conjunction with other City departments in August. We continue to increase outreach and visibility through increased partnership activity, community education and targeted outreach strategies. Staff will provide a detailed first year analysis in late 2019. Key activities for this year include:  Update Minor Municipal Codes for consistency and enrollment equity with UAP administrative and operational processes  Provide enrollment opportunity to 1,200–2,000 residents identified as currently residing in income qualified properties that meet the LEAP criteria/AMI limits  Continue to explore, through the Low-Income Application Working Group, expanded eligibility criteria (e.g., other City low-income and discount programs)  Distribute Solar Affordability Program credits annually to currently enrolled IQAP participants cc: Gretchen Stanford, Community Engagement Manager Crystal Shafii, Senior Project Manager Lisa Schroers, Affordability Portfolio Specialist DocuSign Envelope ID: 3A555CF2-EAD2-4A17-ACE7-BBD1484CD045