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Average Monthly Payment (AMP) plan is a utility policy designed to assist consumers in need such as low income and elderly. This study examines whether this utility policy is an advantage to these target customers. Results indicate that, with a muted price signal, the AMP plan produces an effect contrary to the objective of assisting low and fixed income consumers. Further, the study indicates consumers on the AMP plan consume more energy and the AMP plan does not appear to support energy conservation and efficiency.

Leadership programs take many forms and their effectiveness merits evaluation. This study assessed long-term impacts of a statewide community leadership program by examining six elements essential to program longevity. Findings revealed that program participants remained active in community leadership projects three years and more after initial program participation. Furthermore, there was substantive involvement in community leadership projects among persons who were not formally trained in the leadership program but utilized curriculum and/or methodology obtained from those who received formal preparation. Overall program impact extended beyond persons who participated in formal program training, thus illustrating compelling evidence of a multiplier effect.

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In order to learn about post-training efforts in public deliberation in Oklahoma, a study was conducted with individuals who had completed a two-day course to become conveners, moderators, and recorders of deliberative forums. In Phase Two of the study (the qualitative portion), twelve individuals participated in in-depth personal interviews to describe a personal experience of significance related to public deliberation. The audio-recorded interviews were transcribed and analyzed. Five themes emerged from the data analysis: variety of settings; examination of benefits and consequences; use of guidelines and forum rules; common ground for the public good; and deliberative leadership. Study findings reinforced the use of some methodologies used in the two-day course and led to recommendations for post-course training and mentoring.