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october Update


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Can low-income discount programs help address energy insecurity?
Diana Hernández, Vivek Shastry, and Qëndresa Krasniqi examine how low-income discount programs (LIDPs) reduce energy burdens for households but remain unevenly implemented across the country. As of 2023, only about half of US states have widespread or mandated LIDPs, leaving affordability protections up to local utilities elsewhere. The study shows that administrative barriers, limited outreach, and inconsistent eligibility criteria often prevent those most in need from enrolling. The authors call for nationwide adoption of LIDPs, streamlined enrollment, and data transparency to strengthen energy affordability.

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How do utility practices and policies impact energy insecurity in the United States?
Researchers analyze how utilities’ rate structures, disconnection practices, and outage response policies can either worsen or relieve household energy insecurity. The commentary outlines how equitable rate designs, debt forgiveness, and outage prioritization can protect vulnerable populations. It also highlights the need for utilities to collect and report demographic data on arrears, disconnections, and restoration timelines. The authors argue that treating energy as a human right would reframe utility regulation toward long-term equity and reliability.

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Opportunities to embed equity in electric utility ratemaking and rate design
Researchers examine how the rules that govern electric utility ratemaking can advance—or obstruct—energy equity. Drawing on legal precedent and case studies from California and New York, they show how public utility commissions can integrate affordability and justice into rate-setting decisions. The article argues for procedural justice in ratemaking, stronger funding for consumer advocates, and state-level reforms that embed equity as a core regulatory goal. The authors propose performance-based incentives and statutory changes to ensure energy access and affordability are treated as essential public interests.
Community corner
2025 Partners for Advancing Health Equity Summit
December 3–5, 2025 | Montgomery, Alabama


Registration is open for the 2025 Partners for Advancing Health Equity Summit cohosted by Partners for Advancing Health Equity and Alabama State University. The theme of the summit is Collaborative Strategies for a Better Future and will feature engaging workshops, networking sessions, and on-site experiences. Participants will develop tools to navigate the current political climate, strengthen communication strategies, and explore different approaches for advancing health equity.

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Register


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