Income Qualified Household Weatherization
Image credit: CSD.ca.gov
*Offer support or suggestions / Ofrecer apoyo o sugerencias
**Donate or volunteer / Donar o ser voluntario
The Bonneville Power Administration (BPA) and Low Income Energy Assistance Program (LIEAP) each provide assistance for net zero carbon actions. This project would test the alignment of LIEAP and BPA incentives to find efficiency upgrades that could be fully supported by State, Federal, and utility funding at no cost to the homeowner. The project would vet qualified contractors to complete services, create do-it-yourself (DIY) videos for appropriate upgrades, and identify community action organizations to help reach eligible audiences. If ownership of a home is required under the current incentives, this project will explore tools to address rental scenarios including outreach to the owners of rental units.
Status
Needs Funding
Needs Supporters
Energy Conservation Works has initiated discussion with Lower Valley Energy toward launching this as a pilot program, but additional organization is needed.
Expected Impacts: A 20 year old home uses more energy per square foot than a home built in the last 5 years (efficiency data is currently being gathered). Energy codes and desire for energy efficiency have made new homes more energy efficient, but lower-income households tend to rent older homes that are less efficient putting the largest energy cost on those least able to pay. While older homes have a larger energy burden they tend to be otherwise smaller and more affordable. Seventy percent (70%) of residential units in Teton County, WY are at least 20 years old, closing that efficiency gap in all of those homes would result in a (TBD)% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions from 2021 levels while increasing the livability and longevity of our most affordable housing stock. Program participants will agree to anonymously share their energy consumption data to track the actual energy savings achieved.
Synergy with other priorities:
Jackson/Teton County Comprehensive Plan policy to reuse rather than replace existing development.
Jackson/Teton County Comprehensive Plan and Housing Action Plan policy to maintain existing workforce housing stock.
Potential Partners:
Lower Valley Energy/Operation Round Up
Wyoming Weatherization
Energy Conservation Works
Town of Jackson
Teton County
Potential Funders:
Bonneville Power Administration (Rebates)
Low Income Energy Assistance Program (LIEAP)
Teton County
Town of Jackson
Bonneville Environmental Foundation
Philanthropy