posted 12-17-2004 11:28 AM           

Weatherization & Energy Assistance is just a Phone Call Away

Nevada City, CA – December 13, 2004 – If you can’t afford to pay your home energy bill, the
Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) may be able to help keep you and
your family safe and healthy. Energy assistance is important to all that receive it, but more
so if someone in your home is elderly or disabled, or a young child. Some people resort to
unsafe methods to keep their homes warm, like poorly vented fireplaces or stoves, or
barbecue grills, creating the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning.

LIHEAP assistance comes in the form of a “once-a-year” direct payment to the utility
company on behalf of eligible, low-income applicants or by payment directly to the applicant if
the residence is submetered. Those facing a 48-hour or 15-day shut-off notice may apply for
help from the Energy Crisis Intervention Program (ECIP).

Also available to qualified low-income residents is assistance with firewood, oil or propane
purchases if they are your source for home heating. For more information on these
programs or to request an application, call Nevada County Adult and Family Services at
265-7251.

Weatherizing a home is a key factor in keeping your energy bills manageable. Nevada
County provides a Weatherization Assistance Program that helps low-income families to
permanently reduce their energy bills by making their homes more energy efficient. The
program takes a whole house approach by providing energy saving appliances, energy
efficient light bulbs, weather stripping, programmable thermostats, and in some cases a new
furnace and energy efficient windows.

By reducing the energy bills of low-income families instead of offering aid, weatherization
liberates the family budget to spend money on more pressing family issues. According to the
Department of Energy, “. . . on average, weatherization reduces heating bills by 31% and
overall energy bills by $237 per year.” Information and applications for the weatherization
program are available through Nevada County Community Development Agency –
Housing Division at 265-1388.

Low-income for all these programs is defined as 60% of State median income and the levels
change each year. Below is an example of maximum levels of monthly income based on
family size.

1 Member 2 Members 3 Members 4 Members
$1,657.75 $2,167.83 $2,678.00 $3,188.08