Energy Conservation and Renewable Energy Programs

Residential Energy Efficiency Program

Goal

Give individuals and families the knowledge to use energy efficiently, improve their indoor comfort, and make them aware of how their behavior affects energy consumption, energy cost, health, and safety within their home.

Target Population

Low Income Home Energy Assistance (LIHEAP) clients (Owners and Renters). (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 Services

An energy education specialist who conducts a one-on-one interview with the client concerning their energy usage and concerns visits each household. In addition households receive:

• Walk-thru Energy Audit: Each household will receive a walk-thru energy audit, preferably accompanied by the client, at which time the energy specialist will identify opportunities for energy savings and maintenance measures.
• Energy Education Kit: Each household receives an energy education kit consisting of low cost items which they or the educator may install. Typical energy education kit consists of: low flow shower and faucet heads; tube of caulk and caulking gun; plastic insider storm windows; refrigerator and freezer thermometers; refrigerator coil cleaner brush; 12 outlet gaskets; water heater jacket; one compact fluorescent lamp; and water pipe insulation. Average cost of kit is $40.
  Other items supplied depending on need are: smoke detectors; a carbon monoxide detector; one dozen furnace filters and door weatherstrip kit.
  Smoke detectors will be installed on each level in all owner-occupied homes, where none exist. The installation of smoke detectors in rental property is the responsibility of the landlord. Both the landlord and tenant shall be notified in writing of the building code violations.
• Comprehensive Energy Conservation Plan: Each client served under the program will receive a report which will contain a summary of energy conservation recommendations made during the educator's visit.
• Blower Door Test: Each unit receiving energy conservation education service will receive a blower door test in order to determine indoor air quality and to demonstrate to the client areas of air infiltration.
• Furnace Test: As a part of the Client Energy Conservation Education Program sub-grantees will test, clean and tune each client's heating system if it hasn't been serviced within the past twelve months. This service may be provided either at the time of the client education visit or at the time of delivery of Weatherization services.

Households Served

The goal is to provide Energy Conservation Education Services to every household receiving LIHEAP assistance. Average cost per household served is approximately $180.

Estimated Energy Savings

Evaluation of energy conservation education programs have shown that one can expect to experience a 5% reduction in energy consumption the first year with returns diminishing over time.

Size of Family Unit	Adjusted Gross Income (135% of the Poverty Level)
One	$12,920
Two	$17,321
Three	$21,722
Four	$26,123
Five	$30,524
Six	$34,925
Seven	$39,326
Eight	$43,727
For Each Additional Household Member, add:	$4,401

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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