Are you aware of energy assistance programs that could help with utility bill payment during COVID-19? Check all that apply (Q45 S+W 2020)

The chart reflects responses to Question #45 from the Spring 2020 and Winter 2020 surveys, which asked: “Are you aware of energy assistance programs that could help with utility bill payment during COVID-19?” The options available to respondents are “Yes, my utility companies have sent emails or letters about programs”; “Yes, I have seen them post about it on social media”; “Yes, other.”; “Yes, I have seen ads on TV”; “No”; and “I don’t know.” Respondents could choose multiple options.

One-hundred and sixty-seven respondents answered this question. Twenty-four respondents (14.4%) reported that they had received letters and/or emails about assistance programs from their utility company. Eight respondents (4.8%) reported they heard about these programs from posts on social media. Fifty-four respondents (32.3%) answered “yes, other.” Nine respondents (5.3%) reported they had seen advertisements for these assistance programs on television. Eighty-six respondents (51.5%) reported having not heard of any such programs. Seven respondents (4.2%) responded “I don’t know.” 

The data was produced by the Shifting Energy Demands in COVID-19 Survey, which has been administered to 169 people over two time periods. The Spring 2020 survey was administered to 86 people between May and June, and the Winter 2020 survey was administered to 83 people between December 2020 and March 2021. Visit the Shifting Energy Demands in COVID-19 - Spring + Winter 2020 Survey Results page to view more data from our survey. The project is approved by Drexel’s IRB.