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| What is
the Weatherization Assistance Program? | Who
is Eligible? | The State of New Hampshire's Weatherization Assistance Program is designed to provide weatherization services to low-income persons throughout the state. The Weatherization Assistance Program reduces household energy use and costs by improving the energy efficiency of a participant's home. The overall goal of the Weatherization Assistance Program is to serve those low-income households that are most vulnerable to high energy costs and who do not have the means of making cost-effective energy conservation improvements to their homes. The statewide Weatherization Assistance Program is administered by the Governor's Office of Energy and Community Services (ECS). The Weatherization Assistance Program operates on grants from the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP). ECS is responsible for the statewide oversight of the program. The agency's responsibilities include providing technical assistance to subgrantees and providing energy efficiency information to NH residents who are eligible for the program. ECS subcontracts with New Hampshire's Community Action Agencies (also known as CAPs) which are responsible for operating and delivering weatherization services at the local level. ECS's working relationship with the CAPs is valuable as it allows for better coordination with other social service programs or organizations that eligible households may not be aware of. Once an applicant is determined income eligible, their name is placed on the weatherization waiting list. An energy auditor will contact the applicant to schedule a time to perform a comprehensive home energy audit. The audit includes diagnostic testing which is performed by an ECS-certified energy auditor. Based upon the energy audit findings, a crew of trained workers will return to install the required weatherization measures. The priority order in which weatherization measures are usually performed is: measures designed to reduce general heat waste, wall and/or attic insulation where appropriate, the evaluations of and some repair to heating systems. Under certain circumstances, grossly inefficient heating systems may be replaced. This conserves energy and improves the energy efficiency of the home, reducing energy costs, improving comfort, and positively impacting the health and safety of the participant. In addition to these basic weatherization services, ECS uses some of the state's LIHEAP funds for the Weatherization Assistance Program. The LIHEAP funds provide the flexibility to perform safety and efficiency measures that are not possible under the regular DOE Weatherization program. ECS actively pursues opportunities for increased funding to expand weatherization services. For more information, contact:
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