A Programmatic Assessment of the U.S. Department of Energy Low-Income Weatherization Assistance Program

Abstract

Performing energy efficiency measures in aging housing stock could save on energy bills especially in communities burdened by utility costs. The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Weatherization Assistance Program has helped more than 7 million income-qualified households during over 40 years since its implementation in 1976, under title IV of the Energy Conservation and Production Act. The purpose of this study is to look at this program from a perspective other than benefit-cost analysis. This paper is based on analyzing the interviews conducted with leaders, supervisors, and chairpersons at four local Community Action Agencies (CAAs) in Southeast Michigan. It examines the barriers in implementing the program as well the opportunities to assist CAAs with those barriers. It also discusses the positive impacts of the program and the consequences of potential budget cuts. Currently, lack of sufficient federal funding, high number of application deferrals known as “walk-aways”, and cumbersome guidelines are mentioned as major barriers facing these CAAs. The paper concludes with policy recommendations to address these barriers. Keywords: Energy