Energy efficiency and weatherization are part of the new administration’s efforts for a cleaner, “greener” economy. Here are some answers to frequently asked questions.
What is WAP?
It’s the Weatherization Assistance Program, and it’s run by the Department of Energy. It assists low-income families in making their homes more energy efficient and insulated from the weather. It’s been running since 1976.
What is the scope of WAP?
WAP now helps around 150,000 low-income households weatherize their homes every year. WAP funds are given to State governments, who then distribute the funds to cities or counties. End-point organizations are community action or housing agencies, county or city government offices and other similar non-profit organizations. There are about 700 community action agencies that WAP helps fund nationwide, and another 200 organizations are local government offices or non-profit organizations.
States can add to the WAP fund from their own state funds, and up to 15% of their LIHEAP (Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program) funds. This can go up to 25% with the approval of the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS).
What are the changes that ARRA (the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act) has done to WAP?
- The eligible income level is now at or below 200% of the poverty level established by the Director of the Office of Management and Budget.
- Agencies can now spend $6,500 on each home, $4,000 more than before. Homes that have been partially weatherized between September 30, 1975 and September 30, 1984 can now receive more assistance.
- The Secretary of Energy can now encourage states to prioritize funding for the most cost-effective actions.
- Funds for Technical and Training Assistance (T&TA) have increased from 10% to 20%.
What are the normal actions of WAP?
WAP helps low-income households in adding home insulation, sealing leaks and replacing inefficient appliances, among other similar things. This can lower utility bills, to help low-income families allocate more money to other important expenses.
Sign up on the box at the right to get more information on other budget assistance options that you can use for your own household.
2 Responses
[...] Weatherization [...]
Posted on January 29th, 2010 at 5:43 am
[...] Weatherization is important. Home insulation, when properly done and maintained, will not only save you money in heating expenses, it will also prevent damage to the house itself. Check all your doors and windows periodically. If a room feels colder than the others even with the same amount of heating, you may have to reinstall windows and doors with new insulation material. [...]
Posted on February 24th, 2010 at 9:38 pm