New York State

1
New York State Weatherization Assistance
Program
THE NEED There is a heavy energy burden on
low-income families who can spend 25-40 of their
annual income on shelter and energy bills,
compared with 5-15 for middle-income families.
Low-income families not living in subsidized
housing spend an even larger percentage of their
income on energy bills. The impact of services to
these people is measurable and direct
Weatherization makes homes more affordable. The
Weatherization Assistance Program provides vital
suppprt to families as they struggle towards self
sufficiency. Since 1977, the program has
weatherized over 490,000 households in New York
State. However, there are still 1.6 million
households eligible for Weatherization Assistance
that have not been served due to funding
limitations.

• THE SERVICES
• Some weatherization services include
• Cleaning, testing repairing and replacing heating
  systems.
• Replacing or repairing windows.
• Installing insulation.
• Weather-stripping doors and windows.
• Installing carbon monoxide detectors and smoke
  alarms.

THE MISSION The Weatherization Assistance Program
reduces energy costs for low income New Yorkers
by increasing the energy efficiency of their
homes, while ensuring their health and safety. It
is our countrys longest running, and perhaps,
most successful energy efficiency program funded
by the U.S. Department of Energy (USDOE) and the
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
(HHS).
THE TEAM APPROACH The Weatherization Assistance
Program works in collaboration with a statewide
network of 64 local service organizations
including community action agencies, neighborhood
preservation companies, county governments and
Native American Tribal organizations. Each
organization is required to follow sound internal
management policies, provide skilled workmanship,
use high quality materials, use state-of-the-art
equipment and deliver timely services. Our
network is fully integrated with community based
organizations to help reduce duplicative efforts
and to ensure the greatest coordination, economy
and efficiency of effort. Each organization
receives a small percentage of funds to offset a
portion of their cost to operate the program.
THE PROGRAM The Weatherization Assistance Program
reduces the energy burden and liberates spending
for more pressing family issues. It also reduces
water consumption increases property value,
saves money by averting emergency calls for older
heating systems helps to create safe healthy
homes and reduces costs related to service
shut-offs.

• THE BENEFITS
• The Weatherization Program works to
• Increase energy efficiency and provide long-term
  relief from expensive energy bills.
• Lessen the financial energy burden of families
  most in need and enable them to gain increased
  financial independence.
• Reduce the emission of carbon dioxide into the
  ozone.

Weatherization technician installing insulation
Low-income families shouldnt have to choose
between heat and other necessities
New York State Division of Housing and Community
Renewal Governor, George E. Pataki Commissioner,
Judith A. Calogero
2
THE FUNDING In 2006 New York received 54
million (21.8 million from the U.S. Department
of Energy and 32.2 million from the U.S.
Department of Health and Human Services) for
Weatherization Assistance. Program funding is
allocated by a formula that fairly distributes
funding based on climate and the number of
income-eligible households in each county. Due to
funding limitations only a small segment of the
eligible low-income population can be served.
DHCR gives priority to elderly, people with
disabilities, and households with children.
According to census data more than 62 of all
NY dwelling units are renter occupied and more
than two thirds of all income eligible households
live in rental units therefore 62 of the funds
are allocated to assist rental units. In 2006
assistance to rental units will leverage nearly
6.7 million in private owner investments.

• THE PROCESS
• The Program consists of 4 steps
• -Submit an application to the local service
  provider to determine eligibility.
• -Prepare an energy audit of the home to identify
  specific needs.
• -Install the Weatherization measure.
• -Conduct a post-weatherization inspection to
  assure quality and effectiveness.

NEW YORK - A LEADER Weatherization technicians
provide comprehensive energy efficiency solutions
for low-income New Yorkers, while serving as an
energy-efficiency resource to the community.
Several local agencies participate in an
innovative utility restructuring project to act
as an energy broker for low income clients. The
goal is to secure a fair rate for low-income
households. New York State also piloted a
refrigerator replacement project. On average this
program reduced the energy cost of operating a
refrigerator for each household by 74. New York
State continues to leverage landlord resources
and Systems Benefit Charge (SBC) funding to
replace inefficient refrigerators in eligible
homes.
Per 2006 Weatherization State Plan

• THE NY STATE FACTS
• New York States housing stock is generally older
  than anywhere in the nation. The median age of
  housing is 51 years, well above the national age
  of 34 years. Much of New Yorks housing was built
  before innovative technology and energy efficient
  building practices were available.
• New York States Weatherization Program began in
  1977 as a direct result of the 1970s energy
  crisis.
• New York State is a national leader in energy
  conservation with the largest low income
  residential energy conservation program in the
  nation.
• New York State leverages over 10 million
  annually in funds from other private/public
  sources more than many other States receive as
  their annual program allocation.

New York State Division of Housing and Community
Renewal Governor, George E. Pataki Commissioner,
Judith A. Calogero
3
Weatherization technician using Diagnostic
Tools

• THE COMMUNITY IMPACT
• The Weatherization Program is a wise investment
  of taxpayer dollars. The programs cost-effective
  approach produces benefits for low-income
  households and communities by
• Reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
• Supporting local economic development through job
  creation and the reinvestment of energy savings
  within the community.
• Reducing the demand on Social Service Programs
  and educating consumers in energy efficiency.
• Reducing the demand for imported oil.
• Creating jobs for low income residents.

THE ENERGY IMPACT On average weatherization
measures reduce annual energy consumption by 31.2
million Btu (British Thermal Units) per
household. This is the equivalent of 270 gallons
of home heating oil per year some 18 million
gallons saved by the Weatherization Assistance
Program. This significantly reduces the demand
for imported oil which helps to strengthen the
national economy and security.
Per 2006 Weatherization State Plan
Per 2006 Weatherization State Plan
THE ECONOMIC IMPACT The Weatherization Program
reduces a familys average annual cost by 650
per household. The total 2006 program investment
will yield an annual average savings of 146
million over the 15 year life of the installed
energy measure. Alleviation of high energy bills
enables families to gain financial independence
and flexibility. The Weatherization Program
generates economic activity through employment of
low-income residents, utilization of local
businesses, and the freeing up of income that
would be used to pay for energy supplies produced
outside of the State.

• THE PROGRAM WORKS BY
• Identifying people that need services.
• Providing a great return for public dollars
  invested.
• Promoting family self-sufficiency and
  independence.
• Providing services to all residential building
  types.
• Delivering high quality technical analysis and
  workmanship.
• Revitalizing aging buildings.
• Distributing funds fairly.
• Leveraging other funds.

New York State Division of Housing and Community
Renewal Governor, George E. Pataki Commissioner,
Judith A. Calogero
4
For More Information Contact NYS Division of
Housing and Community Renewal 38-40 State Street,
Albany NY 12207 1-866-275-3427 Or visit the
website www.dhcr.state.ny.us
New York State Division of Housing and Community
Renewal Governor, George E. Pataki Commissioner,
Judith A. Calogero