Contra Costa County has received funding from the State Department of Community Services and Development for 22 years wherein the County provides energy bill assistance payments and weatherization services to County residents who are income-eligible to receive said services. The funding sources include Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), the Energy Crisis Intervention Program (ECIP), and the Department of Energy (DOE).  
  
The County receives the money via the Employment & Human Services Department (EHSD). EHSD, in turn, partners with the county Department of Conservation and Development to provide energy saving home improvements to 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 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. Homes with gas appliances are provided with a carbon monoxide alarm.  
  
The program uses 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 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 vulnerable population.  
  
The board approved receipt of funds on June 7, 2016 (c.35); the State routinely amends these contracts to extend the term to allow services to be fully expended. The board approved a contract amendment on February 14, 2017 (c.35) to extend from term end date to June 30, 2017. This amendment is to further extend the term end to September 30, 2017.

If not approved, County may not receive funding to continue operating the weatherization program through September 30, 2017.

The Employment & Human Services Department, Community Services Bureau energy program supports one Contra Costa County community outcome - 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.