State Gearing Up for Expanded Weatherization Assistance Program

Training is underway across Tennessee for home energy auditors and contractors, as part of the federally funded Weatherization Assistance Program.

This year the state received $99 million – roughly 15 times the normal amount. That means lots of extra to work to ensure the money is spent responsibly over the next year.

Last year the Department of Human Services oversaw upgrades to insulation and energy efficiency for about 2,600 houses across the state. This year they’re expecting to do about four times as many.

DHS says the program increased the amount that can be spent on an individual job, up to $6,500. It also expanded its eligibility threshold from 125 to 200 percent of the poverty level.

To meet the surge in volume, DHS and partners are recruiting hundreds of energy auditors and contractors. Training sessions, which are required to work in the program, began earlier this month and continue through early August. And officials say they’re still adding classes to meet demand.

In the past some, including Lieutenant Governor Ron Ramsey, have criticized the program as vulnerable to fraud and abuse. So department officials say they’ve invested heavily in infrastructure to maximize accountability as a safeguard.

Several energy audits have been completed in Middle Tennessee and are now open for bid. The individual jobs will be posted for 10 days only.

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Home Energy Audit

Link to the program’s web site, where you can apply to administer or receive weatherization help.