Weatherization Assistance Program
The KEO Weatherization Program delivers FREE energy efficiency services to low-income households.
HOW THE PROGRAM WORKS
KEO installs FREE cost-effective measures to reduce home energy consumption. The process beings with a weatherization energy audit to determine which energy efficiency measures are most appropriate and cost-effective for each home.
Typical measures include replacing appliances to improve efficiency and safety, and replacing incandescent lighting with compact fluorescent bulbs. The following are approved devices for Hawaii.
- Low-Flow Shower Heads
- Low-Flow Faucet Aerators
- Compact Fluorescent Light Bulbs (CFLs)
- Small Room Air Conditioners Replacement (6-8,000 Btu/h cooling capacity)
- Water Heater Timer
- Refrigerator Replacement
- Large Room Air Conditioner (18,000 Btu/h cooling capacity)
- Solar Water Heater or Hybrid Heat Pump Installation. (KEO partners with KIUC’s solar water heating rebate program to deliver more energy efficiency services to more low-income households.)
- Must have an existing electric water heater
- Must have lived in the house for the past 12 months with verification of energy use
- If renting, need rental agreement and permission from the landlord
BENEFITS TO PARTICIPANTS
Weatherization reduces energy costs for low-income families by improving the efficiency of their homes.
• High energy costs are an excessive burden on low-income families.
• By lowering energy bills for low-income families, Weatherization increases their self-sufficiency.
• Weatherization prioritizes services to the elderly, persons with disabilities, and families with children.
• Weatherization measures are delivered to single-family homes and qualified multi-family dwellings.
• Weatherization returns $1.65 in energy-related benefits for every $1 invested in the program. These energy efficiency improvements have resulted in average energy savings of $1,000 per household in Hawaii.
BENEFITS TO COMMUNITY
Weatherization produces important benefits for communities nationwide.
• Creates jobs for energy professionals and private contractors.
• Educates consumers about energy efficiency practices.
• Decreases energy demand, thereby reducing power plant emissions.
• Creates an empowered community.
• Reduces the nation’s dependence on imported oil
ELIGIBILITY
Weatherization assistance is provided to low-income persons who are at or below 200 percent of the Federal Poverty Guidelines for Hawaii (see below) with priority to those who are particularly vulnerable such as the elderly, persons with disabilities, families with children, high residential energy users, and households with high energy burden.
| Number of people in household: | 200% Federal Poverty Level (2021) |
| 1 | $29,640 |
| 2 | $40,080 |
| 3 | $50,520 |
| 4 | $60,960 |
| 5 | $71,400 |
| 6 | $81,840 |
| 7 | $92,280 |
| 8 | $102,720 |
| For each additional person, add | $5,220 |
HOW TO APPLY
Applicants must complete a KEO Intake Form and provide the following:
- Verification of Income for all members of the household –
- Paystubs for the past 3 months
- Unemployment printout or stubs
- Welfare-Financial & SNAP (food stamps): DHS 12 month benefit history print out.
- SSI/Social Security: Letter or Income Verification Printout.
- Child support – 12 month child support printout
- Pension/Veterans Award Letter
- Verification of household members
- Birth verification (birth certificate, passport, etc.)
- Photo Identification of all adults in the household
- Contact KEO regarding additional documents that may be required