About LIFE
LIFE, the Low-Income Forum on Energy, is a unique statewide dialogue. LIFE brings together organizations and individuals committed to addressing the challenges and opportunities facing low-income New Yorkers as they seek safe, affordable and reliable energy. Sponsored by the New York State Public Service Commission and underwritten by the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA), the LIFE dialogue encourages an interactive exchange of information and collaboration among the programs and resources that assist low-income energy customers.
2008 LIFE Statewide Conference: Climate for change…a better LIFE
The New York State Public Service Commission (PSC) and the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) are proud to announce the 2008 Low-Income Forum on Energy (LIFE) Statewide Conference: Climate for change…a better LIFE. The conference will convene in Albany on May 20 and 21 at the Marriott on Wolf Road . As LIFE celebrates its 10th Anniversary we hope you’ll join us!
As the nation’s longest running statewide dialogue on the energy needs of low-income customers, LIFE has built a reputation as an interactive exchange of ideas. The statewide conference is a great place to meet and network with others who share your commitment to helping low-income energy customers.
The theme for this year's Conference is Climate for change…a better LIFE . In New York State , change is in the air. New York ’s “15 by 15” energy efficiency initiative was introduced by Governor Eliot Spitzer in April 2007. All New Yorkers were challenged to participate in reaching the lofty goal of reducing the energy used by 15% from forecast levels by the year 2015. “All New Yorkers” includes those who are low-income.
The conference will build on lessons learned in prior LIFE conferences and will feature sessions on consumer education, emerging energy issues, and information on some of the resource programs that assist low-income energy customers. We will also be celebrating LIFE’s 10 th Anniversary and recognizing the 2008 LIFE Achievement Award winners. Our agenda promises to provide two action-packed days! Click here for a look at our preliminary agenda.
The 2008 LIFE Statewide Conference will also feature exhibitors. These exhibitors will include firms and organizations that provide programs, services or products that assist low-income energy customers and the people that work with them. The fee for exhibitors is $275, which includes the exhibit space and all conference events, materials, meals and breaks for one participant. If you are interested in exhibiting, click here for details .
For conference accommodations, call the Albany Marriott at (800) 443-8952 and mention LIFE to reserve your room at the special $124 conference rate. The deadline for hotel reservations at the discounted rate is April 28. Please make your reservations early to assure your space at the Albany Marriott! To make reservations online, click here.
The registration fee for this year’s two-day conference is $125 for those representing non-profit and community-based organizations and $145 for all other registrants. It includes all conference materials, two continental breakfasts, two lunches, breaks and a reception. For a copy of the registration brochure, click here .
To register for the LIFE 2008 Statewide Conference on-line, click here .
LIFE has established a scholarship to assist individuals who are unable to afford the cost of attending the 2008 Statewide Conference, for information about scholarship opportunities click here .
If you have any questions, please contact Libby Belardi, our conference registrar, at (412) 431-5087 or e-mail her at lbelardi@gove.org.
The 2008 LIFE Achievement Award
Nominations for the 2008 LIFE Achievement Award are now being accepted.
As part of the 2008 LIFE Statewide Conference, we will honor those who have gone above and beyond the call of duty in addressing the issue of energy affordability for low-income New Yorkers. These “unsung heroes” play an essential role through education and outreach efforts aimed at helping low-income consumers address their energy challenges. Nominations will be considered until April 14, 2008. Click here for more information about the LIFE Achievement Awards. Click here to download a nomination form.
LIFENews
To read LIFENews, click on an issue below:
If you currently do not receive LIFENews and would like to be added to the mailing list, click here.
Previous LIFE Events
LIFE has held several events since its inception in 1999. Below are various Conference Reports that summarize these events.
- 2005-2006 Heating Season - In preparation for the 2005-2006 Heating Season communities, governmental agencies, and utilities have geared up to help low-income New Yorkers face the challenges that the winter weather presents. Click here to see what these organizations have been doing.
- 2005 LIFE Regionals Executive Summary (89kb.pdf)
- 2005 LIFE Brooklyn Regional Meeting Final Report (75kb.pdf)
- 2005 LIFE Ellicottville Regional Meeting Final Report (79kb.pdf)
- 2005 LIFE Ithaca Regional Meeting Final Report (75kb.pdf)
- 2005 LIFE Kingston Regional Meeting Final Report (74kb.pdf)
- 2005 LIFE Lake Placid Regional Meeting Final Report (73kb.pdf)
- 2005 LIFE Troy Regional Meeting Final Report (77kb.pdf)
- 2004 LIFE Statewide Final Report (71kb.pdf)
- 2004 LIFE Capital Regional Meeting Final Report (54kb.pdf)
- 2004 LIFE Finger Lakes Regional Meeting Final Report (55kb.pdf)
- 2004 LIFE Hudson Valley Regional Meeting Final Report (54kb.pdf)
- 2004 LIFE Lake Placid Regional Meeting Final Report (53kb.pdf)
- 2004 LIFE NYC Regional Meeting Final Report (55kb.pdf)
- 2002 LIFE Statewide Final Report (75kb .pdf)
- 2002 LIFE NYC Regional Meeting Report (13kb .pdf)
- 2002 LIFE Albany Regional Meeting Report (11kb .pdf)
- 2001 LIFE Binghamton Regional Meeting Report (11kb .pdf)
- 2001 LIFE Buffalo Regional Meeting Report (10kb .pdf)
- 2001 LIFE Syracuse Regional Meeting Report (11kb .pdf)
- 2001 LIFE Potsdam Regional Meeting Report (12kb .pdf)
- 2001-2002 LIFE Regional Meeting Series Final Report (37kb .pdf)
- 2000 LIFE Regional Meeting Series Summary (96kb .pdf)
- 2000 LIFE Statewide Final Report (118kb .pdf)
- 1999 LIFE Statewide Final Report (23kb .pdf)
LIFE 2002 Statewide Conference Briefing Papers
One of the highlights of our 2002 Statewide Conference was the release
of six briefing papers on issues that impact low-income energy customers.
Written by members of the LIFE Steering Committee and the LIFE Manager,
the papers reflect the diverse perspectives that are a hallmark of
LIFE. Copies of each paper are available in pdf form through the links
below.
1. Ensuring Access to Affordable Energy Services for Low-Income Customers,
by Jack Ziegler of Niagara Mohawk Power Corp., a National Grid Company
(28kb .pdf)
2. Making Coordination and Collaboration Work in the Changing Energy
Market, by Sue Montgomery Corey of the Community Power Network of
New York State, Inc. (28kb
.pdf)
3. Competitive Markets and Access to Affordable Energy, by Martin
Insogna of the New York State Department of Public Service (37kb
.pdf)
4. Advances in Energy Technology, by Peggie Neville of the New York
State Energy Research and Development Authority (29kb
.pdf)
5. HEAP and Other Funding promoting Affordable Energy for Low-Income
Households by David Hepinstall, Association for Energy Affordability
(33kb .pdf)
6. Universal Service in New York-An Overview by Ben Wiles, Public
Utility Law Project (30kb
.pdf)
A Word From Our Sponsors
Public Service Commission
The Public Service Commission regulates the state's electric, gas, steam, telecommunications, and water utilities. The Commission also oversees the basic cable service. The Commission has a broad mandate to ensure all New Yorkers have access to reliable and low-cost utility services. In addition, the Commission exercises jurisdiction over the siting of major gas and electric transmission facilities and has responsibility for ensuring the safety of natural gas and liquid petroleum pipelines.
For more information on the New York State Public Service Commission and its sponsorship of LIFE, contact Pamela Carter, Expedited Complaint Resolution Team Manager (and LIFE Chairperson) at pamela_carter@dps.state.ny.us or (518) 474-5858.
New York State Energy Research and Development
Authority
The New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA), a public benefit corporation established by law in 1975 administers the New York Energy $martSM program under an agreement with the NYS Public Service Commission. All New York Energy $martSM programs are funded by a System Benefits Charge (SBC) paid by electric distribution customers of Central Hudson, Consolidated Edison, NYSEG, National Grid, Orange and Rockland, and Rochester Gas and Electric.
New York Energy $martSM programs are designed to lower electricity costs by encouraging energy efficiency as the State's electric utilities move to competition. The programs are available to electric distribution customers (residential, commercial, institutional, and industrial) who pay into the SBC.
For more information about NYSERDA and its sponsorship of LIFE, contact Christopher Coll (518) 862-1090, ext.3425.
LINKS
LIFE Steering Committee Members
Other Sites of Interest
Date of last update: February 2007
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