Recommending Energy Efficiency Program Design Changes to NYSERDA - Spring

Advisor: Eileen McGinnis

Team Members: Alyssa Nielsen (Manager), Luke Cook-Griffin (Deputy Manager), Miranda Alquist, Stephanie Díaz, Yuxiang Gao, Rosario Giufré, Runhua Huang, Yousef Koutnik, Shao-Chen Lu, Zachary Rosenblatt, Lindsay Weiner, Hansen Xu

Energy affordability remains a major challenge for low-income households in New York State, particularly seniors, who face disproportionately high energy burdens relative to their incomes. Although the Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) provides critical financial support for heating and utility costs, participation rates among eligible seniors remain significantly lower than among other eligible households. Many seniors spend more than 15 percent of their income on energy, forcing difficult trade-offs between basic necessities such as food, medicine, and heating. Understanding and addressing the barriers that limit program participation is essential to improving energy equity and protecting vulnerable populations.

Research identified several factors contributing to low participation, including limited awareness, complex application procedures, and insufficient outreach tailored to senior populations. Surveys, interviews, and focus groups revealed that trusted community relationships and clear communication are critical to encouraging enrollment. Recommendations include expanding partnerships with community organizations, simplifying application processes, and implementing targeted outreach strategies focused on seniors. Strengthening coordination between assistance programs and improving communication efforts would increase participation and ensure vulnerable populations receive essential support. These changes would help reduce energy burdens, improve financial stability, and enhance overall wellbeing among low-income senior households.

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