The reach of low-income weatherization assistance

Journal Article · · Home Energy; (United States)

OSTI ID:6332995

Power, M ^[1]; Brown, M ^[2]

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1. Economic Opportunity Research Inst., Washington, DC (United States)
2. Oak Ridge National Lab., TN (United States)

Since 1976, the US Department of Energy (DOE) has operated the nation's largest energy conservation program-the Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP). The program aims to increase energy efficiency and conservation to low-income households in order to reduce their energy consumption, lower their fuel bills, increase the comfort of their homes, and safeguard their health. It targets vulnerable groups including the elderly, people with disabilities, and families with children. The program was established in response to the 1973 oil embargo, when the escalating price of energy put an undue burden on low-income households. This burden remains significant. According to the US Department of Health and Human Services, the average low-income family spends 12% of its income on residential energy compared to 3% for the average US family. Low-income dwellings have a greater need for energy-efficiency improvements, but limited financial resources to undertake them. In 1990, DOE initiated a nationwide evaluation of its Weatherization Assistance Program, with assistance from Oak Ridge National Laboratory. The study summarized here is part of that evaluation. It sheds lights on the sources and uses of funding for low-income energy conservation programs during the 12-year period from 1978 to 1989. Data collection included a review of federal reports, a survey of program managers in 47 states, and a survey of utilities serving 75% of the nation's residential customers. Informal follow-up interviews with utility program managers and two subsequent surveys of state program managers provided an update of current levels and types of investment in low-income weatherization.

• OSTI ID: 6332995
• Journal Information: Home Energy; (United States), Vol. 10:3; ISSN 0896-9442
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

29 ENERGY PLANNING
POLICY AND ECONOMY
HOUSEHOLDS
US FEDERAL ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS
HOUSES
WEATHERIZATION
PROGRAM MANAGEMENT
EVALUATION
ENERGY AUDITS
ENERGY CONSERVATION
ORNL
PUBLIC UTILITIES
SPACE HEATING
STORM DOORS
STORM WINDOWS
THERMAL INSULATION
US DOE
WATER HEATING
AUDITS
BUILDINGS
DOORS
HEATING
MANAGEMENT
NATIONAL ORGANIZATIONS
OPENINGS
RESIDENTIAL BUILDINGS
US AEC
US ERDA
US ORGANIZATIONS
WINDOWS
291000* - Energy Planning & Policy- Conservation