Low-income households in Central Mississippi are faced with a unique set of challenges when it comes to accessing renewable energy sources. Fortunately, there are a number of programs and initiatives available to help these households gain access to energy efficiency measures and renewable energy. Stakeholders, such as state, local, territorial and tribal (SLTT) governments, non-profit organizations, businesses, health institutions, schools, individuals and households can use these resources to support program planning and inform existing initiatives. The Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) is one such program that provides assistance with home heating bills, preventing power outages, reconnecting services, making homes more energy efficient, and repairing or replacing heating equipment.
The Department of Energy (DOE) website also offers a range of energy efficiency and renewable energy tools and resources, technical assistance tools and programs. Additionally, the Federal Housing Administration (FHA) offers several loss mitigation programs and information resources to help owners of FHA-insured homes who face financial difficulties and whose mortgage is in default or at risk of default. The Inflation Reduction Act has reduced the importance of the Public Services Regulatory Policy Act in the development of renewable energy. However, there are still other initiatives that can help low-income households access renewable energy sources.
For example, the Office of Indian Affairs' Housing Improvement Program (HIP) provides funds to eliminate substantially deficient inhabited and Indian-owned housing for eligible, very low-income Indians living in approved tribal service areas. The Program Funding Catalog, which is intended to be used as a worksheet to help map the relevant resources of the Energy Library for low-income people for planning or program needs for low-income people is also available. The National Park Service also protects, preserves and promotes the appreciation of the cultural resources in its custody and demonstrates its respect for the peoples traditionally associated with those resources. The Forest Legacy Program, which provides one-time payments to landowners in exchange for easements designed to improve and protect forest resources on private land is another initiative that can help low-income households access renewable energy sources.
Finally, people who don't have access to a computer can call their local Community Action Agency (CAA) or Human Resources Agency (HRA) for assistance. In conclusion, there are a number of programs and initiatives available to help low-income households in Central Mississippi access renewable energy sources. These initiatives include LIHEAP, DOE website, FHA, Inflation Reduction Act, HIP, Program Funding Catalog, National Park Service, Forest Legacy Program and CAA or HRA. Stakeholders can use these resources to support program planning and inform existing initiatives.
