Extension Communications
3614 Administrative Services Building
Ames, Iowa 50011-3614
(515) 294-9915
3/13/01
For Immediate Release
Contacts:
Marilyn Bode, Extension to Families, (515) 294-5327,
mbode@iastate.edu
Joyce Mercier, Mercier Associates, (515) 292-6323
Carol Ouverson, Continuing Education and Communication
Services, (515) 294-9640, couverso@iastate.edu
Survey Shows High Energy Bills Hurt Low-Income Iowans
AMES, Iowa -- A recent study of low-income Iowans reveals that many households try to pay high energy bills by such drastic measures as going without food, not seeking medical care, skipping house and rent payments and not paying other bills.
The survey examined nearly 4,000 households, documenting what low-income Iowans did during the winter of 1999-2000 to meet their heating bills, says Marilyn Bode, energy specialist with Iowa State University Extension to Families.
The survey indicates an energy "affordability crisis" for low-income Iowans, according to Joyce Mercier, ISU professor emeritus of human development and family studies who conducted the study for the Iowa Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP).
"With the combined average annual electric and home heating bills in Iowa reaching more than $1,400, it is not surprising that households with lower incomes are experiencing problems," Mercier said.
Survey respondents represent the unemployed, under-employed, disabled, elderly and single parents. Also included are people in poor health with high medical costs and the working poor, the researcher said.
Iowa LIHEAP recipients spent an average of 19 percent of their income on winter heating bills. This is nearly double the 10 percent accepted ceiling of affordability. To meet their bills, lower-income Iowans often take steps that are destructive, in some cases "down right dangerous," Mercier said.
Nearly half of those surveyed turned their thermostats to under 65 degrees when at home, while about three percent turned off their water heater in order to save energy, a risky move, she said.
Over 12 percent of the respondents went without food to pay their heating bill. "If you project this number to the total LIHEAP population, this means about 7,600 low-income households -- 20,000 Iowa citizens -- go without food at times as a result of high heating bills," she said.
More than one in five of the respondents attempted to save money by going without medical care, not filling prescriptions or not taking prescribed dosages of medication.
Nearly 10 percent of respondents were unable to pay rent or house payments if they paid the energy bill. "Non-payment of rent or house payments means increased numbers of foreclosures and evictions, which affects the economy of a community," Mercier said.
"This survey gives us proof that a lot of Iowans are suffering due to high energy costs. Given an even worse situation this winter, it is evident that we need to do something to get help to this most-vulnerable part of our population," Bode said.
For information on saving energy to reduce winter heating bills, contact the local county office of ISU Extension.
For questions or a copy of the complete report, contact Jerry McKim, Chief, Bureau of Energy Assistance, Iowa Department of Human Rights, (515) 281-0859, jmckim@radiks.net
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