The nation’s largest single “whole-house” energy efficiency program
The U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE) State and Community Energy Program’s (SCEP) Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP) reduces energy costs for low-income households. WAP’s mission is to increase energy efficiency of homes, while ensuring health and safety.
Positive Impact for American Communities
WAP provides formula grants to all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Native American tribes, and U.S. territories who contract with over 700 local weatherization providers to offer WAP services to their communities. Many local weatherization programs work with home performance contractors and trades, which supports the local workforce and creates new job opportunities—all while uplifting the most vulnerable families in America.
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$300+ Annual Cost Savings
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18% Annual Heat Savings
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7% Annual Electric Savings
Weatherization also helps revitalize communities by stimulating economic growth and reducing environmental impact. Weatherization returns $2.78 in non-energy benefits for every $1.00 invested in WAP1. Non-energy benefits—such as improved health, safety, and comfort—are especially beneficial to low-income households that have been weatherized. After weatherization, low-income households save money on their monthly energy bills and lessen their overall environmental impact by the reduced consumption of natural resources.
Reduces energy burden for low-income families who spend 14% of income on energy vs. 3% for higher income households.
An average of $538 savings in pay per year due to fewer missed work days.
An average of $514 savings per year in a household’s out-of-pocket medical expenses.
WAP’s Role in Clean Energy Deployment and Adoption
WAP plays an essential role in the introduction and deployment of innovative energy
efficiency technologies, increasing further adoption among the home performance industry.
Skills developed by WAP have expanded this industry. In addition, WAP Innovation grants support the government-wide approach to mitigating the climate crisis by driving innovation that can lead to the deployment of energy efficiency retrofits and clean energy technologies, which are critical for combating climate change.
