LIHEAP Public Opinion Poll
Detailed Survey Responses: 2006

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HISTORIC HIGH IN CONSUMER PERCEPTIONS ABOUT RISING ENERGY COSTS

As was seen in 1999 and 2002, very few Americans believe the cost of the energy they buy to heat or cool their homes is lower compared to five years ago. Eighty-seven percent of Americans believe the cost of heating and cooling has risen in the past five years. In comparison, seventy-one percent felt that their energy costs had gone up when surveyed in 2002, and 62 percent held that opinion in 1999.

These days would you say the cost of energy to heat homes in the winter and cool them in the summer is higher, about the same, or lower than compared to five years ago?

In no region of the country does the proportion who believe heating fuel costs are on the rise fall below 85 percent, and the figure rises to historic highs in every region of the country.

PERCEPTIONS ON DIFFICULTY LOW INCOME FAMILIES HAVE MEETING THEIR ENERGY COSTS

Eighty-six percent of Americans surveyed in this study believe it is more difficult today than five years ago for low income families to pay their energy bills. This compares to 78 percent holding this view in 2002 and 67 percent in 1999.

From what you read or hear, do you think it is more difficult, neither more nor less difficult or less difficult for low income families to pay their heating and cooling bills today than it was five years ago?

In the past, belief that it is more difficult for low income families to pay their energy costs tended to rise among lower-income families. Today, this view transcends all income groups.


SHOULD THE GOVERNMENT FUND ENERGY ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS?

By a ratio of 74 to 16 percent, Americans answer "yes" to the following statement: "Should the government provide funding to help senior citizens and the poor pay for services such as home heating, cooling and lighting." The moderately lower readings in 2006 compared to 2002 is attributed to study margin of error and therefore can basically be interpreted as "no change" since 1999.

In no region does the "yes" response fall below 65 percent and in no region does the "no" response exceed 23 percent.

Should the government provide funding to help low income senior citizens and the poor pay for services such as home heating, cooling and lighting?

AWARENESS OF LIHEAP PROGRAM

General awareness of the federally funded Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) is found among roughly a quarter of the public and is basically at the same level as registered in both 1999 and 2002. Awareness is highest in the E.S. Central, E.N. Central and Mid Atlantic census regions of the country and below the norm only in the W.S. Central region. Awareness in the Mountain region literally doubled over the past three years.

"I'd like to ask you about the federally funded Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program also known as LIHEAP? ("LIE HEAP"). Were you aware of the LIHEAP program before I mentioned it to you just now, or is this the first time you have heard of it?

SUPPORT FOR LIHEAP REGISTERS AT 82 PERCENT

Eighty-two percent of Americans favor the LIHEAP program, while eight percent oppose it and the balance (10%) had no opinion. In no region of the country does support fall below 74 percent and in no region does opposition exceed eleven percent. The eight to one support level has remained basically unchanged since 1999.

Next, I'd like to ask you about the federally funded Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program also known as LIHEAP. In general, do you favor or oppose the LIHEAP program to help poor elderly and low income families pay their energy bills during cold or hot weather emergencies?

BY 72% TO 9%, PUBLIC FAVORS EXPANDED FUNDING FOR LIHEAP

Forty-two percent believe Congress should "substantially increase funding" for LIHEAP and another 30 percent favor modest funding increases. The proportion who believe funding should be "substantially increased" has grown dramatically from only 28 percent in 1999 to 31 percent in 2002 and now stands at 42 percent. Reduced funding is advocated by three percent and another six percent favor eliminating the program entirely. A handful (5%) favor keeping the LIHEAP budget at its current level and the balance, 14 percent, have no opinion.

Among those with an opinion, support for increased funding totals 83 percent. Reduced funding is the view of ten percent and seven percent favor no change.

In efforts to reduce the federal budget, funding for LIHEAP has been cut in half in recent years and some members of Congress have proposed that the LIHEAP program be cut further or even eliminated. Other members of Congress say LIHEAP has taken more than its fair share of budget cuts, serves only one of five people who need the assistance, and that it should have its funding increased to provide a safety net to help impoverished elderly and poor families meet their energy bills. What do you think: should Congress substantially increase funding for the LIHEAP program, increase funding modestly, reduce funding further or should the program be eliminated altogether?

POLITICAL IMPACTN

Fifty-one percent of Americans would be less likely to vote to re-elect their congressman if he or she had voted to reduce or end funding for LIHEAP. Fifty-seven percent would be more likely to vote for one who voted to increase LIHEAP funding.

If your congressman voted to increase funding for programs such as the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program, would you be more likely or less likely to vote for them in the next election?

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