Title
Health and Human Services Agency (HHSA) recommending the Board:
1) Provide conceptual approval for HHSA to take planning steps to cede to the State the Low Income Weatherization Program and Emergency Heating and Cooling Services from the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program; and
2) Provide direction to HHSA regarding recommended next steps. (Est. Time: 10 Min.)
FUNDING: Annual funding contract through California Department of Community Services and Development .
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DISCUSSION / BACKGROUND:
LIHEAP is a federally funded program that is administered by California Department of Community Services and Development (CSD). The LIHEAP program is for income-eligible residents and is comprised of two components: (1) Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) and (2) the Low Income Weatherization Program (LIWP).
The HEAP program provides assistance with utility bills or assistance obtaining firewood, propane, pellets or heating oil, and this element of the LIHEAP program is not part of the recommendation being presented.
The LIWP is the focus of this recommendation. In the LIWP program, the County installs and/or provides energy efficient home improvements to reduce heating and cooling costs. Home improvements may include: attic or floor insulation, caulking, heating and cooling system repair/replacement, and other similar energy conservation measures. Emergency heating and cooling services (ECHS) are also part of the LIWP program.
There are 5.4 staff allocated to the LIWP program, however two of the full time equivalent (FTE) positions are vacant. The assigned positions include: one (1) FTE vacant Weatherization Supervisor position; three (3) FTE Weatherization Technicians, one of which is vacant; a 0.35 FTE Program Assistant who provides support to the program; and a 0.05 FTE Program Manager. Additionally, the program has one (1) limited-term FTE Weatherization Technician.
Administrative oversight for the LIWP program has increased in the past fe...
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