Welcome to the SMEA study

Thank you for participating in a research study led by Indiana University and Project NOW. The goal is to improve LIHEAP so that it works better for everyone.

On this page

  1. What being in the study means
  2. Onboarding sessions
  3. How much you get paid

What being in the study means

Your LIHEAP is now in a savings account in your name, for you to use on your MidAmerican bills. In this study, your energy assistance is NOT sent directly to MidAmerican.

  1. You can use your Energy Savings Account to pay MidAmerican You can pay in any amount, at any time.
  2. You can earn up to $125 for participating in the research study You will have the option to complete study activities like attending an information session and answering a survey.

Taking part is voluntary and you can stop at any time without losing your benefit.

Your Energy Savings Account

How it works, ways to use it, and how to check your balance.

Paying MidAmerican

Your account number, and how to pay online, by phone, or in person.

Information sessions

You are invited to join an online or in person information session to get your Energy Savings Account set up and ask anything you want. There is nothing to sign up for — please join whichever session works best for you.

Each information session starts on the hour and runs for about 15 minutes. There will be time for questions and you can ask to talk with someone privately. You will receive $25 for attending.

All times are Central.

Online on Zoom

Join using this link:

    In person at Project NOW

    Come to . There is nothing to sign up for — just come in.

      We add new dates as they are scheduled, so please check back if none of these work for you.

      How much you get paid

      Payments are yours to spend on anything. They do not go into your Energy Savings Account and they do not come out of your energy assistance.

      • $25 for attending a virtual information session.
      • $25 for completing a survey at the end of the study.

      Payments will be sent to your email, cell phone, or mailing address. A payment sent by email or text will have your name on it and will mention this study. Payments are sent after verification: digital payments take about two days, and physical cards can take up to two weeks to reach you.

      You should have already received an incentive for completing a survey and $25 for opening your Energy Savings Account.

      Check your spam folder

      If a digital payment has not arrived within two days, check spam first, then call or email us.