Weatherization-ON
DELAWARE STRONG
What it's all about
The Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP) delivers weatherization and energy-efficiency measures to low-income Delaware households typically at or below 200% of the federal poverty level.
These measures may include:
- Attic and wall insulation
- Air sealing
- Pipe insulation
- Duct insulation
- Domestic hot water measures
- Exhaust fans
- Electronic controls/switches
- Access and hatches insulation
- CFL/LED lightbulbs
- Health and safety
The Delaware WAP Manual for Weatherization Professionals contains detailed program policies and procedures, and it can be viewed here: www.de.gov/wap.
The Goal
The primary goal of WAP is to reduce energy costs for low-income households by increasing each home’s energy efficiency. The Energy Coordinating Agency (ECA) is the local provider, who contracts with trained and certified home performance contractors (subcontractors) capable of performing a required range of technical home weatherization and energy-efficiency measures. ECA is responsible for ensuring that these measures are delivered cost effectively and accountably, and meet program standards.
WHO FUNDS IT?
WAP is made possible by numerous funding sources administered and organized by the Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control’s Division of Climate, Coastal and Energy (DCCE). Federal WAP grant funds from the U.S. Department of Energy are joined with funds from the federal Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) block grant, Delaware utilities and the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative.
Together, these funds help deliver comprehensive program services. As the recipient of these funds, DCCE ensures the program is fully planned, administered, and implemented fairly and accountably, and includes local provider oversight.
MARKETING AND PARTNERSHIP
Through its Lights-ON campaign, the HELP Initiative has built statewide partnerships by using a memorandum of agreement between cities/towns, participating community-based organizations and funding agents. These establish a mutually enforced commitment to perform a scope of work using a specific plan of actions and milestones. The HELP Initiative has conducted multiple briefings for city/town councils during the WAP program’s pre- and post-launch phases. The result? A trusted working relationship every time the WAP marketing plan is executed.
OUTREACH AND INTAKE
The HELP Initiative also administers a portfolio of community-based programs that promote trust and unity, emphasize a need for energy-efficiency education and awareness, and improve public safety within concentrated areas of criminal activity. Put simply, crime and heat maps move when streets are lit up. Since 2017, the Lights-ON campaign has been improving public safety in Dover, Seaford, Milford, Laurel, Georgetown and Wilmington. More than 4,000 homes have received energy-efficient lighting measures.
PROJECT COORDINATION
The HELP Initiative has successfully coordinated staff resources and client eligibility requirements between multiple program services. We’ve seamlessly secured and scheduled appointments with Lights-ON clients to cross-market the Home Energy Checkup and Counseling Program (HEC2), and scheduled client participation in energy-efficiency workshops using a pledge form. We’re also planning the implementation of equipment and resources with the Wilmington Housing Authority (WHA). Together, we’ll conduct a planned retrofit of outside lighting fixtures on many WHA homes, using electrical contractors and performing the Lights-ON campaign in coordination with that work.
Contact Us
Are you interested in participating in or learning more about the Weatherization-ON Delaware Strong program? Simply complete the form below, and we will respond quickly. Or contact our call center Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., to speak with a knowledgeable representative who can provide you with full program details, qualifications and eligibility criteria, and income requirements.
Call 833-888-0410 or 302-672-0778.