By doing in-home, one-on-one visits, UCAP personnel were able to ascertain which programs and funding streams they could best match with the client they were meeting with. Then, after the home energy counseling was completed, they partnered with local utility providers and also used their own weatherization and energy assistance programs to provide appliance replacements, weatherization and energy saving services to these homes.
Results: Six of the twenty households received extensive weatherization services through their program. All twenty households received energy counseling on a one-to-one basis from UCAP staff and participated in local utility-sponsored Conservation Improvement Programs (CIPs). The county breakdown for projects completed was:
- Cottonwood County – 2 households
- Jackson County – 2 households
- Lincoln County – 5 households
- Lyon County – 7 households
- Redwood County – 4 households
Here are some great before and after shots from a home energy visit:
Follow up surveys with their clients showed very positive results. Beyond the thank yous, when asked “Have you noticed a reduction in your kWh usage reflected on your bill, many circled “Yes.” Added notes included:
- “$10 less per month”
- “A little bit—$93-$107”
- “Bills were over $400, and now are $225”
- “Down to $103 monthly, used to be $115-$125”
- “About $30 less per month, then dropped another $20 after insulation from weatherization”
- “Absolutely—$22 down per month”
- “Budget billing went down”
- “Better amount—varies between $20-$50”
National outreach: Jeff recently presented about the project at the National Community Action Conference in New Orleans. “The discussions have been well received and I feel that there will be other organizations that model their outreach efforts after this program.”
