2019-065 Weatherization ProgramsDate: April 5, 2019 Report No. 2019-065
INFORMAL STAFF REPORT
TO MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL
SUBJECT
Provide information about weatherization programs in Denton and other communities.
BACKGROUND
Weatherization was identified, through the energy audit program, as a low-cost improvement that
much of housing in Denton could benefit from to increase energy efficiency. Our program
identifies weatherization improvements as weather-stripping and caulking. A weatherization
rebate was added for the current GreenSense program year. This is for Do It Yourself (DIY)
projects and will help fund supplies.
Denton Weatherization Rebate
Through the GreenSense program, DME residential customers can apply for a rebate for the
purchase of weatherization supplies. The rebate is 50 percent of receipted cost, not to exceed
$50.00 for supplies needed for DIY (do-it-yourself) weatherization projects. No new construction
applications will be accepted.
Weatherization Supplies Requirements
Materials used should be long-lasting and include, but are not limited to caulk, weather
stripping, spray foam, attic door insulated cover, and outlet/switch sealers.
Materials used shall be documented on a receipt or invoice
Municipal Programs
In Texas, municipally-owned utilities often offer rebates for weatherization upgrades to homes,
through credits on their billing statements or directly through checks. Austin, Garland, and Bryan,
Texas all participate in programs similar to those in Denton. Rebates are offered for different forms
of weatherization. Austin offers a no-cost program to qualifying low-income households where
improvements for weatherization efforts, such as weather stripping and sealing of the home
envelope, receive a 100% rebate. Garland offers rebates for weather stripping, caulking windows,
and sealing plumbing penetrations.
Cities that do not have a municipal electric utility offer assistance through different types of
programs.
Fort Worth Community Assistance Partners (CAP) links residents directly to state funding
opportunities.
Plano’s Smart Energy Loan Program offered weatherization assistance through several
community partners but was suspended starting 8/31/16.
Carrolton offers a People Helping People program, to partner qualifying low income home
owners with local nonprofits to conduct minor weatherization projects.
Date: April 5, 2019 Report No. 2019-065
Other Assistance
Municipal Community Development Programs often offer income-based home improvement
programs that include weatherization.
Weatherization assistance is also available through multiple programs and administered through
various agencies across the state. These programs are primarily income based and require
application and verification process. Many of the resources are state funded and residents must
apply directly to the agency for funding.
Federal Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) provides funding at the state
level to its Texas counterpart the Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) also known as the
Comprehensive Energy Assistance Program (CEAP). The state of Texas applies for this federal
funding to distribute to residents on an application basis. The program requires a maximum income
level be met based on household size. It provides assistance for both meeting the immediate needs
of bill payment as well as making energy upgrades to those individuals most at risk.
Assistance for Denton County is administered by the Texoma Council of Governments (TCOG)
in Sherman. Administration by TCOG has only been in place for about 3 years and the process
for weatherization and utility bill assistance has greatly improved. Below is a link to the TCOG
energy services page.
https://www.tcog.com/energy-services/
Other Useful Links:
Federal Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)
https://www.acf.hhs.gov/ocs/programs/liheap
Texas HEAP and CEAP Assistance
http://www.liheap.us/texas-heap/
https://www.benefits.gov/benefit/1579
STAFF CONTACT:
Katherine Barnett
Sustainability and Customer Initiatives Manager
(940) 349-8202
Katherine.Barnett@cityofdenton.com