Low-Income Weatherization Assistance Program

Mission
The Low-Income Weatherization Assistance Program has the primary mission of reducing the fuel or electricity expense for space heating, space cooling, and water heating for income-eligible households, while improving the health and safety of the dwelling"s occupants.

History
The program began as an anti-poverty initiative by the federal government shortly after the Arab Oil Embargo of 1973. After providing the first grant to the state of Maine, the program quickly expanded to encompass most of the New England states. In 1976, Congress gave the Federal Energy Administration (FEA) the authority to operate a National Weatherization Assistance Program that would distribute funds to state governments. The former FEA was eventually folded in the new U.S. Department of Energy in 1980.

Program Description
Low-income families and individuals typically spend a higher percentage of their annual income for energy to heat, cool, and run appliances in their homes. The Weatherization Assistance Program was established to help low-income families and individuals decrease their home energy costs and to be attentive to energy-related health and safety issues in the home. The U.S. Department of Energy and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services provide funding for the Weatherization Program.

What’s Done?

Adding thermal insulation to the residential building envelope, most typically attic insulation.
Shading sun-exposed windows, primarily for houses using central refrigeration cooling.
Implementing air leak control measures to reduce excessive infiltration of outside air.
Testing, tuning and maintaining heating and cooling equipment.
Reducing duct leakage where heating and central refrigerated air is distributed by a forced air system.
Installing low-flow showerheads and other general energy and water efficiency measures.
Other energy conservation improvements as identified by the home energy auditor.

Arizona’s Program
The Arizona Department of Commerce Energy Office is the managing agency for the Weatherization Assistance Program. More than 16,500 of Arizona’s low-income households have been provided with weatherization assistance services since the program"s inception in 1977. Arizona’s current annual funding allocation is approximately $2.5 million.

The Energy Office is able to provide assistance to approximately 750-800 homes per year throughout the state. The Energy Office contracts with ten subgrantee organizations to install weatherization improvements. Weatherization subgrantee organizations are trained by the Energy Office in the use of sophisticated residential energy diagnostic techniques and computerized energy audit programs that allow technicians to analyze potentially cost-effective energy savings investments.

Partners

Community Action Human Resource Agency (covering Pinal County ), 520-466-1112
Gila County, 928-425-7631, ext.8693
Maricopa County (but not City of Phoenix or City of Mesa), 602-506-5911
Mesa CAN, 480-833-9200
Northern Arizona Council of Government (Apache, Navajo, Coconino, and Yavapai counties) 928-774-1895
Pima County 520-243-6777
City of Phoenix, 602-495-0700
Southeastern Arizona Human Resource Council (Graham, Greenlee, Cochise, and Santa Cruz Counties), 928-428-4653
Tucson Urban League (covering cities of Tucson and South Tucson), 520-791-9522
Western Arizona Council of Governments (Yuma, La Paz, and Mohave counties), 928-782-1886

Applications
Applications for assistance are taken at the community level by the organizations listed above. If you are interested in additional program information, please call the provider in your area.

Upcoming Events

June 2 - 6, 2008
Energy Outwest Conference
Mark your calendar now so you don't miss this opportunity to attend one of the premier energy efficiency and weatherization conferences in the nation. With over 72 sessions by top notch speakers and more than 25 detailed and hands on tutorials, this conference is not to be missed. For more information, click here.
Location: Doubletree Paradise Valley Resort, Scottsdale

Contact Us for more information regarding the Low-Income Weatherization Program
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