Want to see if you qualify to save some money now and on future energy bills?

CHECK OUT THE NEWS FROM THE ALAMO AREA COUNCIL OF GOVERNMENTS –

WEATHERIZATION ASSISTANCE PROGRAM –   from the AACOG website:

What is the Weatherization Assistance Program?
The AACOG Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP) is funded by the Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs and  the United States Department of Energy.  The program is designed to help low-income people, particularly the elderly and handicapped, overcome the high cost of energy, through the installation of weatherization or energy conservation measures - at no cost.  The AACOG WAP is not a Home Repair program.

The WAP provides trained inspectors to evaluate the needs of each home and suggest measures to make the home warm in the winter, cool in the summer, and safe all of the time.

How does the Weatherization Assistance Program work?
The program consists of four steps:

1.     An application to determine income eligibility.

2.     An energy audit of the home by a professional inspector.

3.     Installation of certain measures.  For example: attic/wall insulation, and replacement or repair of heating and air conditioning equipment.

4.     A final inspection to assure work quality completeness and customer satisfaction.

Who is eligible for the Weatherization Assistance Program?
Eligibility is based on household income.  It cannot exceed 125% of low-income guidelines.  Also, an applicant may be income eligible, but the home may not if any of the following applies:

• Poor electrical wiring, or knob and tube wiring
• Foundation problems
• Roof leaks
• Plumbing problems

NOTE:  Recent changes have increased the income eligibility guidelines to 200% of low-income guidelines

            Family size of                          200%   

1                                              $21,660

2                                              $29,140

3                                              $36,620

4                                              $44,100

5                                              $51,580

6                                              $59,060

What type of weatherization measures can I receive?
Weatherization measures you receive might include:

• Advanced Energy Audit
• Attic, wall, and/or floor insulation
• Weather-stripping and caulking for air leakage control
• Replacement or repair of broken windows or storm windows
• Installation of new gas water heaters, space heaters, HVAC, or window air conditioning units.

Where does AACOG provide the Weatherization Assistance Program?
AACOG's service area includes Atascosa, Bandera, Bexar, Comal, Frio, Gillespie, Guadalupe, Karnes, Kendall, Kerr, Medina, and Wilson counties.

If I rent, can I still apply?
Yes.  If you rent, you must get written permission from your landlord before weatherization services can be performed.  If you own or rent, live in a single-family home, multi-family housing complex, or a mobile home, you can also apply for assistance.

What happens to my home during the weatherization process?
The first step in the process is for the AACOG Weatherization Inspector to conduct an assessment of your home, called an energy audit.  The energy audit is a computerized assessment of your home's energy use and an analysis of which energy conservation measures are best for your home.

When the audit is complete, the Inspector will explain what work can be performed to your home.

Then, a professional contractor (selected by AACOG) will install the various weatherization measures.  When this is complete, the AACOG Inspector will return to your home to make certain that everything is satisfactory.

How will I benefit by participating in the weatherization program?
Weatherization reduces your energy bills.  Insulating your walls or roof will provide you savings for the lifetime of your house.  Making heating or cooling equipment more efficient will provide savings for 10 to 15 years.  On average, the value of the weatherization improvement to your house is 2.2 times greater than the cost of the improvement itself.

If I am not eligible for the program, whom can I call for help? 

·         Bexar County Comprehensive Energy Assistance Program (CEAP) – Call (210) 335-3666 because you might still be eligible for heating or air conditioning systems assistance from CEAP.

·         Bexar Utility Program – Call (210) 335-6770 for short-term assistance on your utility bill.

·          Community Council of South Central Texas (CCSCT) – Call (830) 303-4376 for heating and air conditioning systems assistance from CEAP for non-Bexar County communities.

·         U.U. Housing Assistance Program – Call (210) 731-8203 for home repairs and rehabilitation services.

·         City Public Service – Call (210) 353-2000 for energy rebate programs, energy audits, and other types of services.

How can I apply for the Weatherization Assistance Program?

Complete all of these forms in their entirety and mail them to AACOG, Attn: Housing, 8700 Tesoro Drive, Suite 700, San Antonio, TX 78217-6228.

Please visit   http://www.aacog.com/housing/default.asp#Apply for further information.  You will find links below to:

1. Weatherization Program Assistance Application Checklist

2. Weatherization Program Assistance Application

3. Eligibility information

4. Declaration of income form

5. Social Security Administration Consent for Release Form