2010 Orientation for State WAP Directors and Staff

1 | Weatherization Assistance Program eere.energy.gov

2010 Orientation for State WAP Directors and Staff

Jean Diggs, Michael Peterson, Eric Bell, Greg Reamy, and Holly Ravesloot

History of WAP, Philosophy, and Program Management Overview


Nation’s core program for delivering energy efficiency services to low-income homes

Operates in every state, District of Columbia, among Native American tribes, and U.S. Territories

Services delivered to single-family, multi-family, and mobile homes

What is Weatherization?


“To reduce energy costs for low-income families, particularly for the elderly, people with disabilities, and children, while ensuring their health and safety.”

Program Mission


Department of EnergyHeadquarters and

Project Management Center

50 State Energy Offices, The District of Columbia,

Native American Tribal Organizations, and U.S. Territories

Low-income Americans

Over 900 Local Agencies

The Team Approach


Grantee: State, U.S. Territory, or Certain Native America Tribes

Subgrantee: Community Action Agency, Community Action Partnership, Local Action Agency, or Local Unit of Government

T&TA: Training and Technical Assistance

HQ’s T&TA & State T&TA

Appendix A

Program Year/Fiscal Year

440.3 Definitions

ARRA or Recovery Act Funds

Frequently Used Terms


DOE HQ – U.S. Department of Energy, Headquarters PMC GFO/NETL – Project Management Center Golden Field

Office/National Energy Technology Laboratory ARRA or “Recovery Act” Funds – The American Recovery &

Reinvestment Act of 2009 Program Regulations/Rules/Guidance OMB – Office of Management & Budget IG – Inspector General HHS – U.S. Department of Health & Human Services LIHEAP – Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program HUD – U.S. Department of Housing & Urban Development DOL – U.S. Department of Labor

Frequently Used Acronyms


Increase energy efficiency of dwelling units owned or occupied by low-income persons

Reduce total residential energy expenditures

Improve the health and safety of low-income persons, especially the elderly, persons with disabilities, and families with children

10CFR 440, 10CFR 600, DOE Program Notices, other policy documents

Statutory Purpose


38 million American families are eligible for assistance

Approximately 15 million “good candidate” homes need weatherization

Through 2008 approximately 20% had received weatherization services

The Need For Services


Over 90% have annual incomes less than $15,000. Of these, two-thirds have less than $8,000

More than 13% have annual incomes less than $2,000 per year

17% of annual income is spent on energy vs. 4% by other households

The average energy expenditure is $1,871 per year (2008)

40% occupied by an elderly person with special needs or a person with disabilities

Characteristics of Households


First Generation (1975 to 1979)– Response to oil embargo in early 1970’s– Started in Maine– Originally administered by CSA– Used volunteer labor– Installed only low-cost measures– Little or no reporting and accountability

WAP History


Second Generation (1979 to 1986)– Used volunteer labor under CETA– Installed temporary measures (plastic storm windows, caulk,

door stripping, attic insulation)– Little or no diagnostics– Project Retro-tech as audit tool– Addressed building envelope with heating priority

WAP History (cont.)


Third Generation (1987 to 1996)– Used professional labor– Addressed both building envelope and mechanical heating

systems– Some diagnostics used– Computerization of audits and other operations– State and national evaluations– Structured training and technical assistance

WAP History (cont.)


Fourth Generation (1996 to present)– Highly trained crews– Permanent, cost effective measures (audit test)– Rental and health and safety plans– Advanced diagnostic tools in use– Addresses all climates – cooling and heating – Leverage activities at several levels– Coordination with housing programs– Comprehensive national evaluation

WAP History (cont.)


Where Does the Money Come From? Congressional Appropriations (Energy and Water

Appropriations Subcommittees in the House and Senate) 2009 Allocation & Supplemental - $450 Million 2009 Stimulus - $5 Billion 2010 Allocation - $200 Million

States Transfer Funds from Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program

Other Sources like Utilities, Landlords, State Appropriations, and Private Grants


Low-Income Population

Climatic Conditions

Residential Energy Expenditures by Low-Income Households in each State

Revised Formula Impacts States at $233+M

Allocation Formula to States


Program Eligibility: 200% of poverty, or if the State elects, they may use the LIHEAP criteria or 60% of State median income.

Defining Income: Issued annually by DOE. Consist of Poverty Income Guidelines (PIGS) plus a definition of income (inclusion/exclusion)

HUD/DOE MOU on Public-Assisted Housing eligibility determinations – Final Rule Issued January 25, 2010

Defining Eligibility


Elderly

Persons with disabilities

Families with children

Households with high energy burden

Households with high residential energy use

Determining Priority Service


Prepare State Plan in Compliance with 10CFR 440, 10CFR 600, DOE Program Notices, and other State and DOE policy documents

Solicit Input and Comments from Network

Conduct Public Hearing on Plan Contents

Submit State Plan and additional information to DOE based on Funding Opportunity Announcement Requirements

What Does the Grantee Do with the Money?


Allocation of Funds to Local Agencies Number of homes to be weatherized Audit Techniques and Quality Control Inspection Process Array of Allowable Services Health and Safety Plan Training and Technical Assistance Plan Known Major Purchases of Vehicles and Equipment Monitoring and Evaluation of Local Agencies Other Rules for Operation

What’s in the State Plan?


States MAY use part of DOE grant to leverage

State must develop a plan

Goal is a “dollar for dollar” return or better

States may use up to 15% of DOE grant

The larger the portion, the more detail required

Reviewed on case-by-case basis

Leveraging


10CFR Part 440.17

State may use “council or commission”

Must be addressed at hearing on annual plan

PAC’s have “preference” over state councils or commissions

Can be a valuable asset in contributing to and reviewing state plan

Policy Advisory Council


Limited to 10% (440.18(d))

5% for the State

At least 5% to local agencies

Local agencies with grants at or below $350K (new DOE funds only) may receive up to an additional 5% with State approval

Administrative Costs


10CFR Part 440.18(d)(e)(2)

Date moved from 1985 to 1994 (PY)

Homes weatherized prior to 1994 did not use advanced audits

Re-Weatherization


Annual State Plan requires rental plan

Multi-family buildings require 66% eligibility to qualify entire structure

Certain large multi-family buildings can reduce eligibility from 66% to 50%

Must be: large, leveraged resources, have significant energy saving potential

DOE encourages discussion of the rental plan as a part of public hearing

HUD/DOE MOU – Public Law January 25, 2010

Rental Properties


DOE Weatherization can be a player

State lead agency on disaster relief should develop plan

DOE role must be limited

Disaster Relief


States may now use DOE funds States need to ensure only weatherization-eligible homes

are served in crisis DOE will waive certain eligibility criteria Those served in crisis must be added to list of those to

receive regular weatherization States need to include/amend State plan Public hearing required Four basic triggers determines a crisis No per unit cost restriction by DOE

Energy Crisis Relief


American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 Allocated $5 billion

Raised the income eligibility level from 150% to 200% of the federally established poverty level

Raised the assistance level per dwelling unit from $2,500 to $6,500

Moved the reweatherization date from September 30, 1993 to September 30, 1994

ARRA Impact on Weatherization


Increased Training and Technical from 10% to up to 20% maximum

Hundreds of thousands of additional homes projected to be weatherized annually

Increased number of eligible homes by raising income level to 200%

Expected level of production for the three-year period for ARRA funding is approximately 600,000 units

ARRA Impact on Weatherization


DOE to delegate primary compliance to the States All grants must have labor standards language State and local units of government staff are exempt BUT not their contractors Applies to local agency direct hires and contractors Revised Wage Determinations Commercial Rates Grant period – 1, 2, or 3 year Alert service at www.wdpl.gov Oversight & compliance WPN 09-9, 10-4, 10-7

Davis-Bacon & ARRA

http://www.wdpl.gov/


Customer applies for services Energy audit conducted; technicians identify energy-

related problems & Health & Safety issues List of cost-effective measures developed Energy efficiency measures installed Client education Post-work inspection

How Does the Program Work?


Must meet income eligibility guidelines

May receive priority

Elderly, disabled, family with children, household with high energy burden or high energy usage

Renters eligible, must get approval from property owner

When demand is high, customer may be added to waiting list

Customer Application


Client education is a critical component

Prolongs life of measures/equipment

Conducted before and after measures are installed

Instructions on equipment operation and maintenance

Tips on energy-saving activities Information on carbon monoxide

and other hazards

Client Education


Uses audit software, priority list, or other method to estimate potential energy savings

Diagnostic tools used to identify energy problems Identifies energy-related health and safety measures needed

(e.g., carbon monoxide) Ensures that all materials installed, except those to eliminate

health and safety hazards, pass a cost-effectiveness test Mandated by the DOE on each home States may develop their own audit or use the DOE approved

NEAT audit

Energy Audit


Energy audits Air infiltration reduction using

blower doors Attic and floor insulation Dense-pack wall insulation Duct sealing Domestic hot water system

improvements

Furnace service Furnace replacements New refrigerators Duct system balance and

sealing Energy efficient lighting

retrofits (CFL) Incidental repairs And more………..

Types of WAP Services


May need tune-up or basic repairs

Can replace hazardous or inoperable furnaces– Due to funding limitations,

leveraged resources often used to replace heating systems

– Un-vented space heaters pose large health and safety threat

Heating System


Technicians can tune-up or repair cooling systems

Ducts may require sealing and/or balancing

May add fans, ventilation for health and safety

Cooling System


Blower door test quantifies air leakage & identifies sites

Panel with fan is placed in a doorway to de-pressurize home

Exaggerates leakage so it can be measured and sealed

Air Sealing


Illustrates heat loss

Guides air sealing and insulation

Helps to educate clients

Quality control for insulation and other measures

Infrared Camera


Duct system may need sealing and/or balancing

Duct tape should NOT be used – Apply Mastic

Ducts in unconditioned spaces should also be insulated

Duct Sealing


Leaky ducts can increase costs by 10-30%

While blower door runs, pressure pan placed over air register

Pressure Pan


Manometer measures pressure created by air leaking into ductwork

Results help locate large leaks Registers near leaks have

higher readings

Duct blower can also be used for more accurate readings and to balance systems

Manometer


Blown insulation most effective– Holes discreetly cut in walls or ceiling– Insulation is blown into space through a tube

Insulation


Reduces air infiltration and heat loss– Dense-pack insulation often installed before air sealing,

since it reduces leaks so effectively

Insulation


Converting incandescent lighting to fluorescent

Replacing refrigerators

Replacing or insulating water heaters

Reducing hot water use

Reducing appliance usage through client education

Electric Base Load Measures


Compact fluorescent lighting (CFL)– Harps and other hardware– Screw-in vs. pin base

Hard-wired fixtures– Savings may be more permanent– Some state or local codes require

licensed electrician to wire fixtures

Lighting


Refrigerators Must meter at least 10% of units

replaced 2-hour minimum metering Association of Home Appliance

Manufacturers (AHAM) or alternative databases can provide energy use of existing refrigerators

Units not in database that are metered count toward 10% requirement


Efficient water heater, low-flow shower heads, and faucet aerators can cut use dramatically

WH tank and pipe insulation, low-flow shower heads, and faucet aerators are allowed as general heat waste

Timers on water heater can also be cost-effective

Replacements allowable

Water Heater


Primary goal of WAP is “energy efficiency” States may expend funds for the installation of materials to

abate energy-related health and safety hazards Separate line item and not part of the average cost per home

limitation First Rule – “Do no harm” Conduct weatherization in a lead-safe manner Check for carbon monoxide, gas leaks,

moisture/mold, electrical hazards Wear protective clothing, equipment Always ensure customer safety

Health and Safety


Workers must conduct activities in a safe manner – Lead-Safe Weatherization (LSW) detailed in WPN 02-6, 08-6, and 09-6

Workers must avoid contaminating homes with lead-based paint dust and debris

Workers must use materials, tools and equipment to avoid exposing the customers, themselves, and their families to this hazard

Workers are to assume the presence of lead-based paint in homes built before 1978

WAP funds may not be used to abate, stabilize, or control the lead hazard

EPA’s Lead Renovation, Repair, and Painting Rule / Certified Renovator (CFR 40, Part 745) is in FULL EFFECT April 22, 2010

Lead Paint


Workers must perform services to avoid mold contamination

WAP funds can not be used to remove mold and other related biological substances

If necessary, services may be delayed until the existing mold problem can be eliminated

Customer must be notified upon discovery of mold condition

Mold and Moisture


One of the most common health and safety concerns

Caused by incomplete combustion in household appliances

Gas appliances that exceed acceptable levels for CO must be addressed

All homes should have a carbon monoxide detector installed in areas containing a gas appliance

All customers should receive information about CO

Carbon Monoxide


Many housing problems beyond the scope of WAP

Walking away does not mean that assistance will never be available

Work is postponed until the problems can be resolved

Walk Away Standards


Every home must receive a quality control inspection for workmanship and appropriateness

Blower door tests are conducted to ensure proper air sealing– Identifies any remaining air leaks – Indicates need for ventilation

Insulation and other measures checked for quality and completeness

Post-Work Inspection


We have a great story to tell to anyone and everyone who will listen

Before ARRA, many policymakers may have never heard of the WAP – now, they need to hear “the rest of the story”

If they’re not aware of the work being done, they won’t fight to keep the program intact

Public InformationThe Power of Telling Your Story


Organize a Public Information Campaign

Reach out to policymakers and the press

Tell the story about high energy prices and high energy burden

Place success stories about families and individuals

Keep educating your partners and potential partners

Public Information


October 30th is Weatherization Day– Many states celebrate– Use outreach tools to get best coverage for least effort

Policymakers respond to “Days” – Allows them meaningful time with the community– Allows them to get to the next issue

Weatherization Day


Average annual energy savings = $350 per home Returns $1.67 in energy-related benefits per $1 invested Returns $2.73 in non-energy benefits per $1 invested Avoids 1.79 tons of carbon dioxide emissions for every home

weatherized Creates 52 jobs for every $1 million of funding Over 6.4 million households weatherized Average reduction in natural gas use – 32%

WAP Results


Improves health and safety - reducing carbon monoxide emissions and eliminating fire hazards

Lessens the excessive financial burden of families most in need – reducing the difficult choice between food and fuel

Helps revitalize neighborhoods and communities across the country

Used as catalyst to attract investments from utilities, other federal agencies, state governments, and private sources

Outcomes: Quality of Life


Reduces the export of local energy dollars and keeps more money in the community

Decreases electricity generation and resulting pollution; thus improving local air quality reducing adverse health effects

Avoids residential and power-plant emissions of carbon dioxide, a leading greenhouse gas

Weatherization Impact


“…My children remember waking up cold. Today they are comfortable, cozy, and warm…Thanks to the Weatherization Program you have

made a difference in our lives…you probably saved our lives.” Recipient of Weatherization services in Pennsylvania

Personal Results


For FamiliesFor CommunitiesFor the Nation

Weatherization Works


Weatherization Assistance Program Website:https://www.eere.energy.gov/weatherization/

PMC Website:https://www.eere-pmc.energy.gov/

WAPTAC Website:http://www.waptac.org

Weatherization Plus Website:http://www.weatherizationplus.org

Oak Ridge National Lab Website:http://weatherization.ornl.gov

Websites

2010 Orientation for State WAP Directors and Staff

Documents

Transcript of 2010 Orientation for State WAP Directors and Staff