Agenda

Return

C. 43

To:	Board of Supervisors
From:	Kathy Gallagher, Employment & Human Services
Date:	October 24, 2017

Contra

Costa

County

Subject:

2018 Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program Funding

APPROVE	OTHER
RECOMMENDATION OF CNTY ADMINISTRATOR	RECOMMENDATION OF BOARD COMMITTEE

Action of Board On: 10/24/2017

APPROVED AS RECOMMENDED

OTHER

Clerks Notes:

VOTE OF SUPERVISORS

AYE:

John Gioia, District I Supervisor
Candace Andersen, District II Supervisor
Diane Burgis, District III Supervisor
Karen Mitchoff, District IV Supervisor
Federal D. Glover, District V Supervisor

Contact:	CSB, 925-681-6381
cc:	Nelly Ige Sam Mendoza

I hereby certify that this is a true and correct copy of an action taken and entered on the minutes of the Board of Supervisors on the date shown.
ATTESTED: October 24, 2017
David Twa,

BY:	, Deputy

RECOMMENDATION(S):

APPROVE and AUTHORIZE the Employment and Human Services Director, or designee, to execute a contract containing modified indemnification language with the California Department of Community Services and Development to pay the County in an amount not to exceed $1,919,892 for Low Income Home Energy Assistance Programs for the period of October 1, 2017 through December 31, 2018.

FISCAL IMPACT:

This contract will increase revenue in an amount not to exceed $1,919,892 from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services via the California Department of Community Services and Development. 100% Federal funds with no County match requirement.

FISCAL IMPACT: (CONT'D)

CFDA # 93.568
State: 18B-4005 / CCC: 39-806-37

BACKGROUND:

Contra Costa County has received funding from the State Department of Community Services and Development for 20 years wherein the County provides energy bill assistance payments and weatherization services for income-eligible County residents. The funding sources for these programs include Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), the Energy Crisis Intervention Program (ECIP), and the Department of Energy (DOE), the Low Income Weatherization Program (LIWP) and the Toilet Retrofit Program (TRP).

The Employment & Human Services Department (EHSD) partners with the Department of Conservation and Development to provide energy-saving home improvements for low-income families throughout unincorporated Contra Costa County, as well as the County’s nineteen cities. The energy savings measures may provide homes with hot water heaters, furnaces, refrigerators, microwaves, doors, windows, fluorescent light bulbs, weather stripping, ceiling fans, and/or attic insulation. Homes receive a blower door test (a diagnostic tool to locate and correct air infiltration), and homes with gas appliances receive a combustion appliance safety test that checks for carbon monoxide gas leakage and a carbon monoxide alarm.

The Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) allows eligible residents of the County to qualify for a credit on their energy bills.

Both programs use income based eligibility. The income levels are based on the Federal Fiscal Year 2016 Poverty Guidelines. Once eligibility is determined, clients with no hot water, no heat, or are in danger of having their power shut off are served first as emergencies. Service is then based on clients with the lowest income, highest energy burden and families with at least one resident who is considered to be a member of a vulnerable population.

CONSEQUENCE OF NEGATIVE ACTION:

If not approved, County may not receive funding to operate LIHEAP.

CHILDREN'S IMPACT STATEMENT:

The Employment & Human Services Department, Community Services Bureau energy programs supports Outcome #4: Families that are Safe, Stable and Nurturing. This outcome is supported by the provision of home energy assistance to keep households warm in winter and to increase household energy efficiency.