Division of Energy

Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP)

Weatherization Program

WAP Program

Home heating is a high-cost basic necessity. The decision to pay the utility bill may mean deciding between being warm in the winter or having well-balanced meals for some families. Often older homes lack insulation or efficient heating systems. Weatherization is a long-term response to these problems.

A home that has been weatherized can reduce average annual fuel consumption per dwelling by up to 13.5 percent, with electricity at 12.2 percent and natural gas at 23.4 percent, making it a cost-effective means to help low-income families with their energy bills.  Lasting energy-efficient improvements are installed in the home, resulting in lower utility bills year after year.  This reduces the amount of assistance needed to pay higher utility bills in low-income households.

The Missouri Department of Natural Resources' Division of Energy administers federal funds to 15 regional Community Action Agencies, one city government and one not-for-profit organization. Allocations to these agencies are based on the percentage of the state's total low-income households within each service area.

Since 1977, more than 157,000 Missouri homes have been weatherized.

The agencies provide weatherization services to eligible clients, as well as training and guidance. Newspaper, radio, television, utility bill stuffers and other advertising methods are used to publicize the services.

The program saves clients dollars and stimulates the state and local economy. The agencies use their own crews or contract the work to area businesses. Most products are purchased from state and regional manufacturers. Indirectly, through an economic multiplier effect, weatherization funds are used and reused, stimulating the state's businesses, economy and creating jobs.

How to Apply for Assistance

To apply for assistance, clients should contact their local weatherization agency.

The agency will ask the clients to complete the appropriate forms, including income documentation to verify eligibility. Once the client is verified as eligible, an auditor from the agency will conduct a pre-inspection of the home to determine what steps will produce the greatest energy savings. The next step is for the agency crew or contractor to install the energy efficient measures on the home. After the weatherization of the home is complete, a quality control inspector will examine the home to ensure the quality of work and completeness. The Division of Energy monitors the work of the agencies to ensure state and federal guidelines are followed.

Weatherization Program Facts

Since the program began in 1977, weatherization funds have helped to weatherize more than 157,000 Missouri homes. The program supports energy-efficient housing, long-term reduction in utility bills and the comfort and safety of those served. The elderly, physically disadvantaged and families with children are program priorities.

The weatherization program puts money into counties and local communities to support local jobs for people. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, weatherization creates 52 direct jobs and 23 indirect jobs for every $1 million invested. For Missouri, the program currently supports 450 jobs annually.

Primary funding for Missouri's weatherization efforts comes from the U.S. Department of Energy's Weatherization Assistance Program. These funds are administered by the department's Division of Energy according toWAP guidelines. Through agreements made with the Division of Energy in rate adjustment cases and other regulatory matters, further funding is also provided by the following companies to weatherize additional homes in their service areas:

WAP History

In 1977, the Missouri Department of Natural Resources responded to the energy crisis of the early 1970s, establishing theWeatherization Program (WAP) in the Division of Energy. The program provided Missouri's low-income households, especially targeting the physically disadvantaged, elderly, children and others hit hardest by the energy crisis.  The program aims to lower utility bills and improve comfort while ensuring health and safety.

In the early years, WAP used volunteer labor and temporary measures. However, changes in federal regulations, technology, and the needs of Missourians have changed the program. Today, professional trained staff install permanent, cost-effective energy efficient weatherization improvements.

Weatherization Fact Sheets

Notice: Request for Proposals for weatherization service providers in Northwest Missouri

The department is requesting proposals from eligible organizations to provide weatherization services in Northwest Missouri.Eligible organizations are not-for-profit organizations, community action agencies or local units of government. The RFP seeks proposals that provide weatherization services for eligible households in the service area of Andrew, Buchanan, Clinton and DeKalb counties including towns and cities therein. Proposals must conform to the format and guidelines provided in the request for proposal.

Proposal Guidelines and Application

Please submit proposals to:

 

Rebecca Strope

Missouri Department of Natural Resources

Division of Energy

P.O. Box 176, Jefferson City MO 65102

Rebecca.Strope@dnr.mo.gov

800-361-4827 or 573-751-6630

Proposals must be recieved at the following location by 5:00 p.m. CST, on or before Dec. 15, 2011.

Operational Manual - Missouri Weatherization Program

Draft annual application for fiscal year 2012 U.S. Dept. of Energy funding.

Weatherization Network Training

Weatherization Field Guide for Missouri

Federal program links

Section 106 Compliance