The Washington, D.C. District Department of the Environment helps allocate fuel and energy assistance funds to residence of the District of Columbia. The district offers a comprehensive set of local programs, including energy subsidies, financing for energy bills, as well as coordination federal grants from the Department of Health and Human Services and the Department of Energy’s Reliable Energy Fund. The coordination of these programs provides a complete set of options to help make energy costs more affordable during periods of extreme weather.
One of the largest programs is known as the Department low income grants, which provides single use grants based upon those in need. In order to qualify for the progfram, applicants must qualify based upon their income level - the District Department of the Environment has representatives who can help determine whether you qualify for the grants. Last year, over 30,000 households qualified for the program based upon their adjusted income, utility costs and need. For the 2009 Fiscal Year, there is a sliding scale of qualification based on federal poverty guidelines, as a household of four can qualify for grants by earning less than $42,943 per year.
Additionally, households can qualify for discounts on their utility bills, including electric, gas, weather, sewer and phone service based upon need. The local program works in coordination with local utility companies to offer a complete set of options to local households. In particular, seniors over the age of 65 can qualify for special programs, while general household can save hundreds each year in discounts under the program.
Families may also qualify for Energy Star certified appliance upgrades based upon federal income guidelines, allowing households to replace air conditioners, upgrade to compact light bulbs, integrate automated thermostats and move to higher efficiency air conditioners. Another related program provides funds for weatherization, including insulation, weather stripping and upgrades to home heating systems. The result is a higher efficiency system which enables families to take advantage of lower energy costs throughout the year.
The District will also provide a free Home Energy Audit to determine ways to make one’s home more energy efficient. By conduction a professional or guided audit, home owners can often save up to 30% of their energy costs by making adjustments in their home infrastructure and appliances.
