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The Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP) enables low-income families to permanently reduce their energy bills by making their homes more energy efficient. Funds are used to improve the energy performance of dwellings of needy families using the most advanced technologies and testing protocols available in the housing industry. The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) provides funding to states, U.S. overseas territories, and Indian tribal governments, which manage the day-to-day details of the program. These governments, in turn, fund a network of local community action agencies, nonprofit organizations, and local governments that provide these weatherization services in every state, the District of Columbia, U.S. territories, and among Native American tribes.
 The energy conservation resulting from these efforts of state and local agencies helps our country reduce its dependence on foreign oil and decrease the cost of energy for families in need while improving the health and safety of their homes. During the past 33 years, WAP has provided weatherization services to more than 6.4 million low-income households. Families receiving weatherization services see their annual energy bills reduced by an average of about $437, depending on fuel prices. Because the energy improvements that make up weatherization services are long lived, the savings add up over time to substantial benefits for weatherization clients and their communities, and the nation as a whole.
By reducing the energy bills of income eligible families instead of offering aid, weatherization reduces dependency and liberates these funds for spending on more pressing family issues. On average, weatherization reduces heating bills by 31% and overall energy bills by $237 per year. This spending, in turn spurs low-income communities toward job growth and economic development.
The weatherization assistance program assists income qualified clients in reducing their electric bills. This is accomplished by providing education and equipment free of charge to those who qualify. Once a client is determined income eligible a home energy assessment is completed. During this outreach visit, suggestions are made to the client for ways to reduce electricity consumption. Families who own their own homes have four or more in the household, and use an average of 500kwh per month, can qualify to have a solar water heater installed.
Over the past year or so, KEO has been working closely with Maui Economic Opportunity to supply low income families (who follow specific requirements/guidelines) with solar hot water heater systems, CFL light bulbs, shower heads, power strips, as well as other energy efficient items. KEO has also been assisting clients with new refrigerators to replace their energy insufficient, 10 years or older, refrigerators.
WAP SERVICES
- Energy conservation education sessions.
- FREE Compact Fluorescent light kits to lower your energy cost.
- FREE Energy Saver refrigerators
- Installation of solar water heaters.
- Minimum Qualifications
- Must own home with electric heater.
- 4 members or more in household
- Must be using average 500KWH per month on electric bill. (Approx $290/month)
- Meet 200% of the federal poverty guideline for Hawaii.
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