Residential Energy Use
Members sometimes ask their co-op to explain why their electric bills are rising. In many cases, a complete home energy audit can reveal sources of air leakage, duct leaks or ducts not properly connected, insulation settling, or other problem areas. A diagnostic blower-door test coupled with thermal imaging and a Manual-J calculation can help show members where they have heat loss and heat gain in their home. Contact your local electric cooperative and request a comprehensive home energy audit and a blower-door test.
Community Action Agencies offer a program for income-qualifying households to provide an energy audit and weatherization improvements. Take advantage of this program NOW before the high winter use comes around again. To qualify for the program, you must meet the income requirement on the chart below.
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2009 Weatherization Program Eligibility
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The federal Weatherization Assistance Program began in 1976 and
in 2009 the stimulus package expanded eligibility for the progam
to households whose income falls below 200 percent of the national
poverty level. Each state has unique eligibility guidelines.
To learn about your state's guidelines, click here.
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Number in family
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Poverty Income Level
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x 200 percent
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1
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$10,830
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$21,660
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2
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$14,570
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$29,140
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3
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$18,310
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$36,620
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4
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$22,050
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$44,100
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5
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$25,790
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$51,180
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6
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$29,530
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$59,060
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7
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$33,270
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$66,540
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8
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$37,010
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$74,020
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