The Weatherization Assistance Program is a federally funded program. It provides low-income households with home weatherization services. These services increase energy savings. They also make homes more comfortable during cold and warm seasons. OHCS uses a system of subgrantee agencies to provide weatherization assistance.
About the Programs
Federally funded weatherization programs have operated in Oregon since 1979. Weatherization Assistance programs provide the following for households:
- Conservation services
- Health and safety repairs
- Heating system repair and replacement
- Base-load measures
- Energy education
Currently, there are two federally funded programs:
- The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)
- The U.S. Department of Energy Weatherization Assistance Program (DOE-WAP)
Then there are two rate payer programs:
- The Bonneville Power Administration (BPA)
- The public purpose charge funds the Energy Conservation Helping Oregonians (ECHO) program.
Learn More:
OLIWAP Factsheet Updated 2023
How it Works
Local community-based agencies administer the weatherization programs. An agency representative contacts households eligible for weatherization and schedules an energy audit. An energy audit determines the appropriate measures to be taken. It is based on the existing condition of the home and available funding.
Services provided may include:
- Ceiling, wall, and floor insulation
- Energy-related minor home repairs
- Energy conservation education
- Air infiltration reduction
- Furnace repair and replacement
- Heating duct improvements
The program gives priority to:
- Seniors (60 years of age and older)
- People with disabilities
- Households with children under the age of nineteen
- High residential energy users
- Households with a high energy burden
Households may be placed on a weatherization waiting service list after making initial contact with their local service agency.