Federal Grants

For the last 2 weeks or so, I've been doing some reach on some state grants and/or of assistance programs that  helps to lower energy costs for many residents. This is information will be used for our table this Friday outside of Bravo supermarket, when we're informing some of the New Brunswick community of several opportunities available to them and they don't even know it. These assistance programs or grants are not only applicable to New Brunswick, but to anyone in general who applies and meets the eligibility requirements.

The three main services available are:

1. The Weatherization Assistance Program (WPA)

2. Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Programs (LIHEAP) 

3. Universal Service Fund Prorgams (USF Pogram)

The Weatherization Assistance Program (WPA) is a program offered to assist elderly, handicapped and low-income families in weatherizing their homes, improving their heating system efficiency and conserving energy.

HOW DOES THE PROGRAM WORK?
The weatherization program has four steps:
1. An application is submitted to the local service provider to
determine program eligibility;
2. An energy audit of the home is conducted to identify needs;
3. The home is weatherized; and
4. Home is inspected to assure quality of work completed.
WHAT SERVICES ARE INCLUDED?
Services might include but are not limited to:

• air sealing of cracks and holes to reduce heat loss;
• insulation of attics and walls;
• heating system repairs or replacement;
• providing efficient lighting and refrigeration;
• window and/or outside door repair or replacement; and;
• minor repairs which are needed to ensure maximum efficiency of the weatherization services performed.

WHO IS ELIGIBLE FOR WEATHERIZATION SERVICES?
Eligibility is based on household income relative to federal low-income
guidelines. If a household contains a member who receives Supplemental
Security Income (SSI), Public Assistance, Food Stamps, or Home
Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) benefits, the household is considered
automatically eligible for weatherization services.