Contra Costa County has received funding from the State Department of Community Services and Development for 25 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 saving measures may include the provision of hot water heaters, furnaces, refrigerators, microwaves, doors, windows, fluorescent light bulbs, weather stripping, ceiling fans, and/or attic insulation. Blower door tests (a diagnostic tool to locate and correct air infiltration) are conducted on homes, and combustion appliance safety tests are conducted on homes with gas appliances to check for carbon monoxide gas leakage. Carbon monoxide alarms are provided to homeowners with gas appliances.
The Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) allows eligible County residents to qualify for a credit on their energy bills.
Both programs use income based eligibility. Once eligibility is determined, top priority is given to clients with no hot water, no heat, or are in danger of having their power shut off. Priority of 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.
If not approved, County will forego funding to continue operating LIHEAP.
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.