Energy Conservation and Renewable Energy Programs

Department of Energy Low Income Weatherization Assistance Program

Goal

Increase the energy efficiency of dwellings owned or occupied by low-income persons, reduce their total residential energy expenditures, and improve their health and safety.

Target Population

The adjusted gross income of all members of an eligible household cannot exceed 135% of the poverty level. (See limits below)

Generally households may only receive Weatherization services one time during the past years unless there is a change in technology which proves cost effective enough to justify reweatherization.

Eligible Weatherization Services

Each household is visited by an energy auditor who determines which conservation measures will be most effective for this specific unit. There are nine general categories of energy conservation measures from which the auditor may choose based upon their ability to save energy. They are:

• General Heat Waste: Measures that reduce air infiltration and heat loss in the home. This typically includes caulking and weatherstripping which in recent years has been guided by the use of a blower door.
• Attic Insulation: Insulation is installed to bring the attic up to an R-49.
• Wall Insulation: Wall insulation is installed to R-19.
• Floor Insulation: Floor insulation is installed up to R-19 in floors over unheated basements or crawlspace and in mobile home bellies.
• Perimeter Insulation: The insulation of the interior or exterior of the foundation depending upon existing conditions.
• Windows: The installation of a series of window treatments that prevent or mitigate heat loss. These include the installation of window films and storm windows.
• Doors: The installation of a series of door treatments to reduce heat loss including repair and replacement.
• Furnace Efficiency Measures: Includes testing of heating systems for efficiency and safety purposes. Repair and/or replacement is allowed based on energy efficiency and savings to an investment ratio.
• Building Repair: This measure includes a variety of repairs to the house structure which are necessary to protect the integrity of eligible weatherization measures.

Each energy conservation measure must have a savings to an investment ratio (SIR) of 1.50 or greater and must be installed in descending order based on the SIR. This means that each conservation measure must return a minimum of $1.50 in savings for every $1.00 expended in labor and material costs. Repairs can be only be made if they support eligible weatherization measures and only if the individual measure SIR remains over one when repair costs are added in.

The SIR requirement does not allow for general housing rehabilitation, cosmetic improvements to the home or low payback measures such as mobile home skirting.

After the job is completed and inspected by the agency, the client is asked to sign off on the work. Each agency will stand behind their work for a period of one year.

Households Served

Approximately 1,200 units are served annually at an average cost of $2,744 per household for material and labor.

Size of Family Unit	60% of Median Income
One	$21,332
Two	$27,896
Three	$34,459
Four	$41,023
Five	$47,587
Six	$54,150
Seven	$55,381
Eight	$56,612
For Each Additional Household Member, add:	$1,231

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Copyright 2007 © All Rights Reserved North Dakota Division of Community Services Century Center · 1600 East Century Avenue, Suite 2 · PO Box 2057 · Bismarck, ND 58503 Phone: 701-328-5300 · Fax: 701-328-5320 · Email: dcs@nd.gov