overview

The Washington State Department of Commerce was tasked with designing a program to reduce energy burden and improve access to services for low-income households, but existing systems are fragmented, uncoordinated, and difficult to navigate. Complex application processes, inconsistent eligibility requirements, and limited transparency have made it challenging for households to access support, while stigma further discourages uptake. We designed a coordinated energy assistance program that makes it easier to access support, aligns services across systems, and centers the needs and dignity of low-income households while building trust statewide. In early 2026, the state legislature put into law a statewide low-income monthly energy assistance program designed to meet the needs of households most affected by energy burden, built directly from Commerce’s 2024 energy assistance report and the work of our team.