The Weatherization Assistance Program assists income-eligible families and individuals by reducing their heating/cooling costs and improving the safety of their homes through energy efficiency measures. Energy efficiency measures performed through the program include air sealing (weatherstripping, caulking), wall and ceiling insulation, heating system improvements or replacement, efficiency improvements in lighting, hot water tank and pipe insulation, and refrigerator replacements with highly efficient Energy Star rated units. Both single-family and multi-family buildings are assisted. Household energy use reductions and resultant energy cost savings are significant, with an average savings in excess of 20%. Individual households apply by contacting the provider [2] that serves their area.
Eligible Applicants and Areas
All parts of the State are eligible. Every county, village, town and neighborhood is served by a local weatherization provider. Weatherization providers can be community-based not-for-profit organizations, community action agencies, counties, or units of local government. To be eligible, a provider must demonstrate the capacity to administer the program, and have a history of providing service to the community.
Income Eligibility
Households with incomes at or below 60% of state median income are eligible for assistance. Program services are available to both homeowners and renters, with priority given to senior citizens, families with children and persons with disabilities.
Available Funding
The New York State Weatherization Assistance Program is the largest residential energy conservation program in the country. The program receives funding from the U.S. Departments of Energy and Health and Human Services. In Program Year 2010 - 2011 approximately $65.8 million was allocated to 65 community based organizations to provide weatherization services to income eligible households in each of New York State's 62 counties. Information about ARRA funding is available on our website at Weatherization Recovery Act Funding [3].
Service providers are selected through an annual State planning process. The maximum amount of assistance is limited to $6,500 per unit. The Weatherization Program also helps reduce energy costs of affordable housing assisted by other programs administered by DHCR/HTFC. Affordable housing developers, property managers, and other housing and community development agencies are encouraged to contact their local Weatherization provider for more information. Information on Weatherization providers is available on the Affordable Housing Directory [4].
For more information visit: http://www.dhcr.state.ny.us/programs/weatherizationassistance/ [5]
