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Common Problems with Universal Service Programs

Common Problems with Universal Service Programs. Roger D. Colton Fisher, Sheehan & Colton Belmont, MA 02478 May 2002. Our participation is too low. Eliminate barriers to participation Enlist full range of partners Consider “express lane eligibility”. We don’t have enough money.

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Common Problems with Universal Service Programs

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  1. Common Problems with Universal Service Programs Roger D. Colton Fisher, Sheehan & Colton Belmont, MA 02478 May 2002

  2. Our participation is too low. • Eliminate barriers to participation • Enlist full range of partners • Consider “express lane eligibility”

  3. We don’t have enough money • Additional sources of funding • Rate refunds • New partners • Cost offsets • Programs with limited scope • EITC outreach • Non-energy outreach (circuit breakers) • Cash deposit alternatives

  4. We only have crisis funding • New partnerships for funding • Partnership with NFFN • Rationalize your payment plan processes • Maximize revenue potential • Utility customer contributions • External fundraising

  5. Our primary heating is non-utility • State UDAP regulations for fuel oil and propane • Use of PUC regulations for non-regulated utilities • Fuel buying co-ops work

  6. We have no data on payment problems • Use LIHEAP’s vendor contract process to require periodic reporting • Initiate state PUC rulemaking requiring reporting • Intervene in a regulatory proceeding with settlement potential

  7. Our PUC says USF is “discriminatory” • Become conversant with special contracts • Look for “reverse subsidies” • Look for “public good” arguments

  8. For more information, contact: roger@fsconline.com

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