Increasing Energy Efficiency Reduces Costs to Homeowners

Gathering at a home undergoing a Weatherization Assistance Program initial audit in recognition of Weatherization Day Oct. 30 are, first row, left to right, DNREC Secretary Shawn M. Garvin, homeowner Kenneth Sampson, Division of Climate, Coastal and Energy Director Dayna Cobb; middle row: DNREC WAP Program Manager Heather Hubbard, DNREC Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy Programs Manager Ed Synoski; top row: Kristin Peers, Energy Coordinating Agency (ECA); Spencer Marte, ECA; John Holmes, Total Home Performance (THP); and Ben Keyton, THP. /DNREC photo

 

National Weatherization Day Highlights Ways to Use Less Energy

Oct. 30 is National Weatherization Day, with Gov. John Carney also proclaiming the date as Weatherization Day in Delaware. Conducting a home energy audit is an essential first step in the First State in the weatherization process for determining how to make a home more energy efficient.

While all homeowners can benefit from a more energy-efficient home, the Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control’s (DNREC) Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP) helps lower income families who might not otherwise be able to afford needed improvements.

“Our Weatherization Assistance Program has helped thousands of Delaware families reduce their home energy costs,” said DNREC Secretary Shawn M. Garvin, who spent a portion of Weatherization Day at a home undergoing an initial audit. “In addition, using less energy translates into a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions, which moves us toward our goal of reducing those emissions by 50% by 2030 and reaching net zero emissions by 2050.”

WAP provides services at no cost to qualified low-income Delaware families. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, families on average save $372 per year. The energy improvements also help reduce health risks and improve comfortability in the home.

Once WAP approves an application, the first step is conducting a free home energy audit to determine the type and extent of work needed.

Typical services include air sealing, caulking, glazing, weather-stripping and crack patching; replacement of broken glass; attic, wall and floor insulation, and ventilation; sealing of heating and cooling ducts; and insulation for hot water heaters and hot and cold-water pipes.

Ben Keyton works for Total Home Performance, the subcontractor conducting the home on the home. He said insulation, air circulation and duct work are among the items that need updating in older homes. “Insulating a home to current standards, as well as duct sealing, are big ones,” he said.

Staff of Energy Coordinating Agency (ECA) were also on hand to answer questions about the Weatherization Assistance Program and how they move homes through the program. ECA is the contractor hired by the Weatherization Assistance Program, which is run through the Division of Climate, Coastal and Energy.

Residents who participate in the Weatherization Assistance Program may also qualify for low- or no-cost solar installation through DNREC’s Low- to Moderate-Income Solar Program.

Low-income qualified homes can receive a cost-free solar installation of up to 4.0 kW. Qualified moderate-income households will receive a solar installation that has 70% paid for by the LMI Solar Program and 30% by the homeowner for a system size up to 6.0 kW.

About DNREC
The Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control protects and manages the state’s natural resources, protects public health, provides outdoor recreational opportunities and educates Delawareans about the environment. The DNREC Division of Climate, Coastal and Energy uses science, education, policy development and incentives to address Delaware’s climate, energy and coastal challenges. For more information, visit the website and connect with @DelawareDNREC on Facebook, Instagram, X (formerly known as Twitter) or LinkedIn.

Media Contacts: Michael Globetti, michael.globetti@delaware.gov; Jim Lee, JamesW.Lee@delaware.gov

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DNREC Launches New Residential Solar Pilot Program

Assistance to Be Available for Low- to Moderate-Income Households

Low- to moderate-income homeowners who qualify can get help with the cost of installing solar panels through a new two-year pilot program from the Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control set to launch July 1.
DNREC’s Low- to Moderate-Income Solar Pilot Program seeks to test future expansion of residential solar photovoltaic systems into these market segments, which have been underserved by existing renewable energy assistance programs.

“DNREC’s Green Energy Program has helped thousands of Delawareans make the switch to solar power, but installation costs continue to be an obstacle for many low- and moderate-income households,” said DNREC Secretary Shawn M. Garvin. “This pilot program removes that barrier and makes clean energy a viable option for more families.”

Experience acquired from two-year pilot program by the DNREC Division of Climate, Coastal and Energy will be used to develop a statewide solar program that will provide services to low- to moderate-income homes, regardless of electric utility service territory.

Low-income households must first apply for installation services through DNREC’s Weatherization Assistance Program, a cost-free program that helps renters and homeowners cut their energy bills by weatherproofing and improving the energy efficiency of their homes. Qualified homes can receive a cost-free solar installation of up to 4.0 kW.

Moderate-income households can visit de.gov/lmi for information about approved solar contractors for the LMI pilot program. Application for the program will be submitted through the contractor chosen by a homeowner. Qualified moderate-income households will receive a solar installation 70% paid for by the LMI Solar Program and 30% by the homeowner for a system size up to 6.0 kW.
Contractors participating in the program include CMI Solar & Electric, KW Solar Solutions and Clean Energy USA.

Funding for the LMI Solar Program comes from the Weatherization Assistance Program and the Green Energy Fund.

About DNREC
The Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control protects and manages the state’s natural resources, protects public health, provides outdoor recreational opportunities and educates Delawareans about the environment. The DNREC Division of Climate, Coastal and Energy uses science, education, policy development and incentives to address Delaware’s climate, energy and coastal challenges. For more information, visit the website and connect with @DelawareDNREC on Facebook, Twitter or LinkedIn.

Media Contact: Michael Globetti, Michael.globetti@delaware.gov or Jim Lee, JamesW.Lee@delaware.gov

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DNREC Seeks Contractor Applications for Solar Pilot Program

An installer outfits a residence with solar panels

 

Two-Year Program Targets Low- to Moderate-Income Households

Low- to moderate-income homeowners who have found installation of solar panels beyond their reach could get assistance with a pilot program expected to launch next year.

The Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control is requesting applications from contractors to participate in the program. Applications are due by January 21, 2022.

The 2-year pilot program expects to serve at least 50 clients per year.

The pilot program seeks to test expansion of residential solar Photovoltaic systems into the low- to moderate-income market segments, which have been underserved by existing renewable energy assistance programs. Experience acquired by the Department during the pilot program will be used develop a statewide solar program that will provide services to low- to moderate-income homes regardless of electric utility service territory.

“Reducing greenhouse gas emissions through transitioning to cleaner energy sources is a key component of Delaware’s Climate Action Plan,” said DNREC Secretary Shawn M. Garvin. “Unfortunately, for some families, installing solar panels is outside their budget. This pilot program will help us identify the best ways to help low- and moderate-income families make the switch.”

Selected qualified contractors will be required to also apply through the Green Energy Program for approval as a participating contractor as a condition of participating in the pilot program. The Green Energy Program provides grants and incentives to promote the use of renewable energy in Delaware.

The DNREC Division of Climate, Coastal and Energy, which is overseeing the program, will provide a list of low-income clients eligible for the pilot program that have recently received services through the DNREC Weatherization Assistance Program. Under the terms of the Request For Qualifications, selected contractors are required provide information in their proposal indicating how they would market to and recruit moderate income households.

Funding for the program will come from the Weatherization Assistance Program and the Green Energy Fund.

About DNREC
The Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control protects and manages the state’s natural resources, protects public health, provides outdoor recreational opportunities and educates Delawareans about the environment. The DNREC Division of Climate, Coastal and Energy uses science, education, policy development and incentives to address Delaware’s climate, energy and coastal challenges. For more information, visit the website and connect with @DelawareDNREC on Facebook, Twitter or LinkedIn.

Media Contacts: Michael Globetti, Michael.globetti@delaware.gov or Jim Lee, JamesW.Lee@delaware.gov.

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Weatherization Program Helps Delawareans Invest in Their Homes

Program is Free to Delaware Families Who Qualify

It’s time for Delawareans to prepare their homes for winter weather. The Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control offers the Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP) at no cost to qualified low-income families to reduce energy costs.

DNREC encourages Delaware homeowners and renters to review the eligibility guidelines at https://de.gov/wap to then receive a free energy audit. An auditor will determine the services to improve the energy efficiency of the homes. Typical services include air-sealing, insulation, heating system repair, lighting upgrades and minor repairs that are necessary to complete energy-saving measures.

Last year, 195 Delawareans benefited from this program, with an average estimated savings of $283 per home per year, according to the U.S. Department of Energy.

The program will now be available throughout Delaware by Energy Coordinating Agency (ECA), which had previously contracted to provide services to 200 homes in New Castle County. Following a recent state competitive bidding process, ECA is contracted to weatherize an additional 200 homes each year in Kent and Sussex counties and, at the start of their contract, has a client waiting list with 100 potential homes. ECA will use two subtractors, Eleventh House Solutions and HELP Initiative, to provide administrative functions.

People interested in receiving weatherization services anywhere in the state can contact ECA at 302-504-6111 or ecasavesenergy.org/delaware-weatherization.

About DNREC
The Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control protects and manages the state’s natural resources, protects public health, provides outdoor recreational opportunities and educates Delawareans about the environment. The Division of Climate, Coastal and Energy uses science, education, policy development and incentives to address Delaware’s climate, energy and coastal challenges. For more information, visit the website and connect with DNREC on Facebook, Twitter or LinkedIn.

Media Contact: Michael Globetti, Michael.globetti@delaware.gov or Jim Lee, JamesW.Lee@delaware.gov.

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