Resource Details

Energy, Health & Mental Health, Housing, Sustainability, Workforce

Weatherization Assistance Program

The U.S. Department of Energy's (DOE) Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP) reduces energy costs for low-income households by increasing the energy efficiency of their homes, while ensuring health and safety. It is the nation’s single largest residential whole-house energy efficiency program. WAP has created an industry, producing new jobs and technologies, all while helping the most vulnerable families across the country.

Once DOE awards the grants, the states, tribes, and territories contract with roughly 700 local organizations nationwide that consists of community action agencies, other nonprofits, and local governments. These organizations use in-house crews and private contractors to perform the weatherization services for low-income families. Many states and local organizations leverage other federal, state and private WAP programs to deliver more services while inside the home.

Eligibility

ELIGIBLE RECIPIENTS are households at or below 200% of the poverty income guidelines. WAP Grantees also give priority to the elderly, families with one or more members with a disability, families with children, or high-energy users.

Top Benefits

  • Revitalizes communities by spurring economic growth and reducing environmental impact
  • Weatherization returns $2.78 in non-energy benefits for every $1.00 invested in the Program
  • Saves an average of $514 in out-of-pocket medical expenses
  • Saves $583 in pay per year due to fewer missed days of work

Related Resources

  • Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy

    Focus on Energy

    Energy, Sustainability

    Focus on Energy is Wisconsin’s statewide energy efficiency and renewable resource program funded by the state’s investor-owned energy utilities and participating municipal and electric cooperative utilities.

  • Wisconsin Cooperative Development Grant

    Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation

    Arts & Culture, Child Care, Energy, Forestry & Paper, Native Peoples, Transportation, Workforce

    The Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC) is offering grants to support the development of new and existing cooperatives in Wisconsin, with a goal of fostering the success of current and future cooperatives by supporting planning and exploratory research in advance of making a large investment.

  • WI Brownfields Cleanup and Development Informational Website

    Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources

    Health & Mental Health, Sustainability

    Information and resources for cleaning up and redeveloping community blight into valuable property.