The purpose of our study is to better understand how to improve the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) so that it works better for everyone. As a participant in this study, you will either receive your LIHEAP benefits through:
The traditional process where your benefit is sent directly to your utility; or
Through an alternative process where you will gain access to your benefits in the form of an Energy Savings Account that you control when and how to use to pay your utility.
Frequently Asked Questions
This study is being conducted by researchers from Indiana University, the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, the University of Pennsylvania, in cooperation with Project NOW, the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity, the Illinois Association of Community Action Agencies, and ker-twang.
This study is funded by The Abdul Latif Jameel Poverty Action Lab (J-PAL), with in-kind support from the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity, Indiana University, the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, and the University of Pennsylvania.
No, your participation in the research study does not impact your eligibility for energy assistance through LIHEAP.
If you have questions or concerns about your LIHEAP benefit, please reach out to Project NOW either by phone (309-793-6391) or by email (questions@projectnow.org).
If you have questions or concerns about the research study, including how to use your Energy Savings Account, please contact the research team either by phone (812-855-0160) or by email (liheap@iu.edu). A member of our team will get back to you as soon as we are able.
If you have questions or concerns about how the study is being conducted, please reach out to the Indiana University Human Subjects & Institutional Review Board office either by phone (812-856-4242) or by email (irb@iu.edu).
To be eligible for the research study, participants must be a current MidAmerican Energy customer. MidAmerican Energy is not directly involved in the research aspects of the study.
Participants in the research study who receive their LIHEAP benefit in an Energy Savings Account will use a bank account provided by Ascentra Credit Union. Ascentra Credit Union is not directly involved in the research aspects of the study.
