Weatherization Federal and State Funding: An Overview of What’s Available through the CA Dept. of Community Services and Development (CSD)

I’ve been getting a number of questions regarding weatherization funding, and had the opportunity to speak recently to a representative on weatherization funding opportunities at California’s Department of Community Services and Development (CSD). A resulting overview of the funding resources CSD offers for energy efficiency and renewables through the Low Income Weatherization Program is below.

Low Income Weatherization Program (LIWP) Overview

Federal and state weatherization funds for property owners and developers currently flow through the following three programs administered by CSD:

1. Single family and Small Multi-family energy efficiency and solar water heating (solar thermal) through local agencies.
2. Single family solar photovoltaics through a statewide provider, GRID Alternatives. Information on qualifying for incentives through this program is available on GRID Alternatives’ website here.
3. A large multi-family program operated by a third party, currently the Association for Energy Affordability (AEA). AEA offers energy efficiency, solar PV and solar thermal assessments, procurement for installing measures, and incentives, and operates their program website, CAMultiFamilyEnergyEfficiency.org. Recently updates fact sheets and presentations are available.

Energy efficiency offerings through #1 above are somewhat limited right now due to plans to move to a new program model, though funds for solar remain. Learn more about solar offerings at CSD’s webpage. To learn more and apply, contact your local agency representative, which you can find using this map here.

Low Income Weatherization Program (LIWP) Guidelines and Updates

Local governments can learn more about these three programs in these guidelines developed late 2015, on CSD’s website here and here. Some parts of these programs are evolving, and local governments and the community may participate in open meetings for public comment (the next one being June 2nd).

What does this have to do with local governments?

Property owners or developers are the ones that have to engage/apply to receive assistance through these programs – but local governments can be a very helpful conduit in getting the word on out these resources to their communities. If you have any questions, contact the Coordinator – or register for the June 2nd event to engage with CSD directly.