This paper identifies criteria that state public utility commissions can use to assess the effectiveness of programs and other actions, funded by energy utilities and their customers, to facilitate the payment of utility bills by eligible low-income households. It discusses features of energy assistance (EA) actions that are likely to make then either successful or unsuccessful. The paper also points out, in a generic way, weaknesses and strengths of different EA actions. Commissions can refer to these features when judging specific actions taken or proposed in their states.

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