Weatherization Assistance for Low-Income Persons

To improve home energy efficiency for low-income families through the most cost-effective measures possible. The program is funded by formula grants to states and administered at the state and local level.

The U.S. Department of Energy's Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP) helps low-income households reduce their energy costs by improving home energy efficiency while ensuring health and safety.

States and Territories, including the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin Islands, American Samoa, Guam, Commonwealth of the Northern Marianas, and, Native American tribal organizations (Navajo Nation, Northern Cheyenne, Intertribal Council of Arizona). In the event a State does not apply, a unit of general purpose local government, or community action agencies and/or other nonprofit agencies within that State becomes eligible to apply.

All low-income households are eligible to receive weatherization assistance. A low-income household is one whose combined income falls at or below 200 percent of the Federal poverty level determined by the Office of Management and Budget's poverty income guidelines or the basis on which Federal, State, or local cash assistance payments have been made. A State may also elect to make all homes eligible under the HHS Low-income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) eligible for weatherization assistance and may use either 150 percent of poverty or 60 percent of State median income.

Improvement of the thermal efficiency and cooling of dwellings by the installation of weatherization materials such as attic insulation, caulking, weather-stripping, furnace efficiency modifications, certain mechanical measures to heating and cooling systems, and replacement furnaces, boilers, and air-conditioners.

Awards last between 3-5 years. Authorized funding is established by ECPA, NECPA and ESA

No preapplication form or conference is required by DOE. A copy of the final State plan must accompany the grant application from the State. Consultation and assistance will be available from the DOE in the preparation of the application.

As described under the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007. DOE requires that grantees meet certain statutory and administrative requirements which can be found in the Weatherization Program Guidelines at https://www.energy.gov/eere/wipo/weatherization-program-guidance

Formula Grants: States and tribes will submit applications for available allocation. Grant applications will be reviewed by DOE Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE) personnel. Grant procedures will be in accordance with Federal government regulations. Notification of grant awards will be issued by the DOE Procurement Office and/or EERE personnel serving the applicant State. Project Grants: Evaluations will be conducted by an independent merit review committee and Federal employes. Final decisions to approve are made by ASEE, Program Manager and/or Designee. DOE Field Offices are then instructed to negotiate and prepare the grant award documents.

Renewals are subject to review by the DOE program office and subject to the availability of funds. Financial assistance will be provided from sums appropriated for any fiscal year only upon annual application.

As required under 42 U.S.C. 6861 et. seq. and 10 CFR Section 440.