LIHEAP & WAP

A PARTNERSHIP

Reasons to Work Together• Martin Niemoller Quote• Similar target population• Similar, if not the same, service delivery network• Shared Goals• Shared Success

– High Energy users seamlessly handed off to WAP– Job creation/retention

LIHEAP Directors concerned tooWith severe cuts to WAP:

– What does this mean for LX customers?– What does this mean for WAP workers?– What does this mean for the training centers?– What does this mean for all of the equipment and vehicles that are

out there?

Relationship Building• NEADA and NASCSP lead the way• Open communications• Joint Strategic Planning

– Program Integrity Enhancement– Data system integration

• Regular reporting of LIHEAP Weatherization stats– Production– Quality Assurance Status

Potential Resources• Current average transfer percentage is 10-12%

– 3 to 5% on the table without special waiver request

• REACH grants (Limited Funds)– Underwrite materials cost for weatherization of LIHEAP clients– Cover some training costs for new IREC requirements– Measure carbon savings and increase program revenue

• Leveraging funds• Utility Ratepayer funds

What we can do

• Using and mixing multiple funding streams for WAP– LIHEAP– State Supplemental– Utility Funds

• Elect to use some not all DOE rules on non-DOE funds

What we can do

Using LIHEAP funds for WAP– Underwrite baseload measures (freezers, etc)– limited roof upgrades– limited electrical or plumbing upgrades– Address water infiltration issues with gutter and downspout repair

or replacement– Once made grade changes at a home’s foundation– Get great energy savings on…

What we can do(cont’d)

• REFRIGERATORS and • CFLs

The Waiver

• NEADA can’t support a 25% transfer of LX funds to WX with so much unmet need for utility bill payment assistance

• We do support state WAP programs working with their LX counterparts to determine an acceptable transfer amount for their state to keep WAP viable.

• This is a state by state decision• Criteria for requesting a waiver found at 45 CFR 96.83

Standard Waiver Process

1. Submit preliminary waiver request for a fiscal year, between February 1 and March 31 of the fiscal year for which the waiver is requested

2. Identify percentage above 15% that is requested3. Is the total # of households receiving LIHEAP benefits the same as last year?4. Is the total $ spent in LIHEAP benefits the same as last year?5. Describe Weatherization activities and how they will produce measurable

savings6. Describe how the waiver request was made available for public comment and

how comments received were handled7. Can’t answer yes to questions 3,4 and 5, then you need a Good Cause Waiver

Good Cause Waiver Process

• Submit all information from Standard Waiver• Explain why 3 conditions can’t be met, but still wish to increase transfer %

– Cite measurable and quantifiable data and source of data used

• Provide current and previous year’s eligibility criteria and benefit levels for LIHEAP component benefits– If criteria were lower or benefits higher, explain why waiver should be granted

• Provide current and previous year’s opening and closing dates of LIHEAP components

• Provide current and previous year’s outreach efforts for each of the LIHEAP components

Good Cause Waiver Process(cont’d)

• If previous year’s application period was longer and outreach efforts greater for any of the LIHEAP components, explain why waiver should be granted

• Describe any actions taken that led to less applications being made for any of the LIHEAP components compared to preceding year, if so, explain why waiver should be granted.

Waiver Disposition

• HHS will respond in writing within 45 days of receipt, informing the grantee whether the request is approved on either a ‘‘standard’’ or ‘‘good cause’’ basis

• The Department may request additional information , if so, the 45-day period for the Department’s response will start when the is received.

• No waiver will be granted for a previous fiscal year• Waivers will be effective from the date of written approval until the waiver

funds are obligated • Carried over waiver funds used for weatherization won’t be considered ‘‘funds

allotted’’ or ‘‘funds available’’ when calculating the maximum amount that may be used for weatherization in the succeeding fiscal year.

Questions?

Larry Dawson

Deputy DirectorIllinois Department of Commerce & Economic Opportunity

Larry.Dawson@illinois.gov

NEADA Board Chair