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Energy Assistance Program
Low Income
Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)
This program provides eligible households with help in paying winter
heating bills. The program pays benefits of fixed amounts based on
household income and size. An additional benefit is available to eligible
households having a high energy burden. Local administering agencies
determine household eligibility based on annualized income and the number
of members in the household. The agency then will make payments towards
the heating bills to the primary heat source vendor (oil, propane, wood or
coal dealer or gas or electric utility). Special provisions are made for
those households whose heat is included in their rent and those living in
subsidized housing.
Click Here for income guidelines and more information
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Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP)
This program is designed to assist low-income households reduce their
heating bills by providing home energy efficiency services. The program is
operational year round. After a household is determined eligible, the
local agency schedules an energy inspection of the home. A Mass.
Weatherization Certified Energy Auditor completes an inspection of the
energy and health and safety concerns of the home and completes a Work
Order/Job Write-Up. Local certified and insured weatherization contractors
are hired to complete the work at no cost to the occupants. Typical work
completed includes air sealing, attic and/or sidewall insulation,
weatherstripping, and minor repairs associated with the weatherization
work. Heating system work, if needed, is typically referred to a separate
program administered by DHCD/BEP. All work receives a thorough Quality
Control inspection by the agency's Energy Auditor. To the greatest extent
possible, work is coordinated with any utility-funded Demand Side
Management (DSM) programs that may be available in the area.
Click Here for income guidelines and more information
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Heating Emergency Assistance Retrofit Task Weatherization Assistance
Program (HEARTWAP)
This program is designed to provide heating system repair and replacement
services to low-income households. The program is operational year round.
During the winter months, the program serves primarily as an emergency
intervention service to provide assistance to low-income clients having
problems with the operation of their primary heating system. Eligible
households call the local administering agencies and notify HEARTWAP staff
when they are having a problem. Heating companies, under contract with the
local agency, provide services necessary to keep the heating system
operating efficiently and safely. Provisions are in place for LIHEAP
clients to contact their dealer directly if the emergency occurs during
the evening or on weekends.
Click Here for income guidelines and more information
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"One-Stop" Applications
for all these services are available through the following
Local Energy Assistance Agency: |
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Self Help, Inc.
780 West Main Street
Avon, MA 02322 |
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| This information is provided
courtesy of the Massachusetts
Department of
Housing and Community Development (DHCD) and the Bureau of Energy
Programs (BEP) . |
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