RESOLUTION NO. _______, SERIES 2023
Title
A RESOLUTION IN SUPPORT OF KENTUCKY GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE BILL 66 TO CREATE REQUIREMENTS TO PREVENT UTILITY DISCONNECTION IN VULNERABLE HOUSEHOLDS.
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SPONSORED BY: COUNCIL MEMBER ARTHUR
WHEREAS, data from the National Energy Assistance Directors Association (NEADA) representing the state directors of the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) shows that more than 20 million families are behind on their utility bills; and
WHEREAS, from 2020 to 2021, the average combined energy burden increased over 6% for households with incomes in the lowest 20%; and
WHEREAS, data from the National Energy and Utility Coalition shows that only 24.80% of eligible Kentuckians received LIHEAP in 2021; and
WHEREAS, 68.45% of Kentucky LIHEAP recipients have at least one vulnerable (elderly, disabled or a child under 6) family member; and
WHEREAS, according to the 2022-2023 Office of Resilience and Community Services Strategic Plan, approximately 20% of Louisville households have zero or negative net worth, and a quarter of families have no retirement savings; and
WHEREAS, almost 40% of Louisville households lack sufficient savings to sustain three months of living expenses in the event of a shock to income like the loss of a job or a medical expense; and
WHEREAS, utility assistance was identified as a top three need in vulnerable households by the Office of Resilience and Community Services; and
WHEREAS, over 78,500 applications have been completed and over $20 million in funds have been disbursed to residents to assist with managing cost associated with home energy bills and to reduce the risk of health and safety problems that arise from unsafe heating and cooling practices; and
WHEREAS, in January 2022 it was reported that the Louisville Gas and Electric turned off the heat and electricity for more t...
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