[20060307]RS20761_LIHEAP和住宅能源成本.pdf

1 For more on LIHEAP and related legislation, see CRS Report RL31865, The Low-IncomeHome Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP): Program and Funding, by Libby Perl. 2 There is some disagreement as to the degree to which energy costs are a greater burden on low-income families. Part of the issue pertains to whether one is looking at a short period or alifetime. For a related discussion, see, for example, “Yes! Consumption Taxes Are Regressive,”by Howard Chernick and Andrew Reschovsky, Challenge (magazine), September-October 2000.3 Energy Information Administration. Short-Term Energy Outlook, February 7, 2006.http:/www.eia.doe.gov/emeu/steo/pub/contents.html viewed August 10, 2005.Congressional Research Service The Library of CongressCRS Report for CongressReceived through the CRS WebOrder Code RS20761Updated March 7, 2006LIHEAP and Residential Energy CostsBernard A. GelbSpecialist in Industry EconomicsResources, Science, and Industry DivisionSummaryAmong considerations in setting funding levels for the Low Income Home EnergyAssistance Program (LIHEAP)1 are current prices of residential energy. Those pricesfell in real terms for most of the years since the program began and energy effici