The goal of the Weatherization Assistance Program is to reduce home energy consumption and costs for eligible households by improving the energy efficiency of their homes while ensuring their health and safety.
This is a grant program that is federally funded through the U.S. Department of Energy and U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. The program prioritizes services to the elderly, people with disabilities, high energy consumers, households with high energy burden, and households with young children.
Weatherization is a process of making homes more energy efficient through means of diagnostic testing. We use the whole-house approach, incorporating advanced technologies and addressing the comprehensive energy usage in the home, as well as related health and safety improvements. This testing will help determine if the home has the required amount of insulation, air sealing and if the heating system and water heater are operating properly.
Services
- Our knowledgeable staff will provide energy conservation education to help households reduce their consumption.
- A home energy audit will be done to determine which energy saving measures are appropriate, emphasizing the most cost-effective measures and those which are essential for the health and safety of the occupants. Diagnostic equipment, such as blower door, infrared camera, and manometer, are used to detect air infiltration, duct leaks, and pressure imbalances in the home. Potential improvements include:
- Exterior wall and attic insulation
- Air leakage reduction
- Furnace, boiler, and water heater repair or replacement
- Installation of smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors
- Licensed contractors are hired to complete the measures identified through the home energy audit.
- A final inspection will be completed to ensure all work is performed correctly and satisfactorily.
Eligibility
- Income Limits
- Weatherization services are available to both homeowners and renters.
- Weatherization is a one-time grant to the home. If the home has been weatherized through the Weatherization Assistance Program after September 30, 1994, the home would not be eligible for additional services.
How to Apply
- To receive assistance a household must apply for the Energy Assistance Program for the current program year.
- Cottonwood, Jackson, Kandiyohi, Lincoln, Lyon, Meeker, McLeod, Renville and Redwood Counties – apply at United Community Action Partnership Energy Assistance
- Complete the Weatherization Interest Form (PDF)
- Once the application and the interest form are received and eligibility is determined, all eligible households will be placed on the program waiting list.
For additional information please email us or call:
- Willmar Office: 320-235-0850 or 1-800-992-1710
- Marshall Office: 507-537-1416
- Email Weatherization Staff
Women, Minority and Section 3 businesses are encouraged to apply. Preference is given to Women, Minority and Section 3 businesses. EOE/AA/ADA
(Upon request this ad may be made available in an alternate format such as Braille, large print or audio)
Conservation Improvement Programs
United Community Action Partnership works with a number of utility providers in the area to complete energy conservation improvements to eligible households. The following providers are partnering with United Community Action Partnership:
- CenterPoint Energy
- City of Tyler
- Federated Rural Electric Association
- Great Plains Natural Gas
- Hutchinson Utilities Commission
- Kandiyohi Power Cooperative
- Litchfield Public Utilities
- Lyon-Lincoln Electric
- Marshall Municipal Utilities
- McLeod Cooperative Power
- Meeker Cooperative Light
- Minnesota Energy Resources
- Otter Tail Power
- Redwood Electric Cooperative
- Renville Sibley Cooperative Power
- South Central Electric
- Willmar Municipal Utilities
- Xcel Energy
Contractors
If you are interested in working as a contractor with United Community Action Partnership’s Weatherization Assistance program, please contact us to complete the Contractor Application.
Women, Minority and Section 3 businesses are encouraged to apply. Preferences is given to Women, Minority and Section 3 businesses. EOE/AA/ADA
