St. Mary Community Action

Weatherization Assistance

Program

Louisiana’s Weatherization Assistance Program reduces energy cost for low-income households by increasing the energy efficiency of their homes, while ensuring their health and safety.

Operation

Louisiana Housing Corp Inc. (LHC) works in partnership with local-level agencies to implement the Programs. The Department of Energy (DOE) awards grants to state-level agencies which then contract with local agencies. Weatherization programs operate in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and among Native American tribes. Seventeen local agencies deliver Weatherization services to eligible residents in every parish in the state. The program prioritizes services to the elderly, people with disabilities and families with children. “high energy users” or households with a high energy burden may also receive priority.

Who is Eligible

High energy bills create an unmanageable burden for low-income families. The households in Louisiana typically spend approximately 20% of their annual income on energy compared to 5% for other households. Low-income families often cut back on other necessities to pay their energy bills. You may qualify for assistance. Whether you own or rent, live in a single-family home, multi-family housing complex, or a mobile home, you can apply for assistance. If you rent, you must get written permission from your landlord before Weatherization services can be performed. Preference is given to the elderly (over 60), persons with disabilities, and families with children.

Weatherization

Services

Weatherization crews use computerized energy audits and diagnostics equipment, such as blower door, manometer, or infrared camera, to determine the most effective, measures appropriate for each home. typical measures include installing insulation n the walls and attics; reducing air filtration and pressure imbalances; sealing and repairing ducts; and turning and repairing heating and cooling units.

Technical

Advancements

Weatherization agencies have established a professional delivery system to provide quality energy efficiency services and materials. The integration of advanced technologies had increased the program’s impact. Results: • Advances energy audits are used to determine most cost effective measures; • Blower door-directed air sealing produces higher energy savings; • Weatherization returns $2.72 for every $1 invested in the program 2016 Eligibility Households are eligible if your income is equal or less than the following chart: Family Size    200% Poverty Level                      Annual Income                                      1                       1,962                                      2                       2,655                                      3                       3,348                                      4                       4,042                                      5                       4,735                                      6                       5,428                                      7                       6,122                                      8                       6,815                                      9                       7,508                                     10                      8,202     

Energy Impact

Weatherization alleviates the heavy burden on low-income households and helps them become self sufficient Weatherization measures: • Creates average energy savings of $413 per year. • Are “locked” into the home and continue to save money and energy every year. • Improve health and safety by eliminating energy related hazards. • Cooling cost are significantly reduced.

Community Impact

Weatherization helps revitalize communities by spurring economic growth and reducing environmental impacts. Weatherization: • Reduces the export of local energy dollars and keeps more money in the community. • Improves energy afford-ability, making housing more affordable. This reduces cases of homelessness and frequent forces mobility and lowers demand for public assistance • Decreases electricity generation and resulting pollution This improves local air quality and reduces adverse health effects, particularly asthma. • Avoids residential and power plan emissions of carbon dioxide, a leading greenhouse gas. Weatherization measures reduce carbon dioxide emissions of an automobile. • Reduces demand for imported oil. Decreases national energy consumption by the equivalent of 18 million barrels of oil annually.