Website: [energy.gov/scep/wap](https://www.energy.gov/scep/wap/weatherization-assistance-program) ### Introduction The Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP) was established in 1976 under the Energy Conservation and Production Act as part of the U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE) efforts to address energy crises and support low-income households. Headquartered within the DOE in Washington, D.C., WAP operates through a network of state, local, and tribal agencies rather than as a standalone entity with a fixed employee count. Its mission is to reduce energy costs for low-income households by increasing the energy efficiency of their homes, while also improving health and safety. The program provides free weatherization services, such as insulation, air sealing, and heating system repairs, to eligible families, prioritizing those with elderly individuals, children, or disabled members. As a government-funded initiative, WAP is not a public or private company and thus has no ticker symbol or corporate ownership structure. It is administered through grants to states, territories, and tribal organizations, which then partner with local agencies to deliver services. Since its inception, WAP has weatherized over 7 million homes, saving families an average of $372 annually on energy bills, according to DOE estimates ([energy.gov](https://www.energy.gov/scep/wap/about-weatherization-assistance-program)). ### Key Products and Technology WAP does not produce physical products or proprietary technologies but focuses on deploying energy efficiency measures and home improvements. Below are the primary services and technologies it supports: - **Home Weatherization Services (Energy Efficiency Upgrades)** - **Type**: Residential energy retrofitting - **Technical Specifications**: Includes insulation, air sealing, heating and cooling system tune-ups, and energy-efficient lighting. Specific measures vary by home assessment, targeting a reduction in energy consumption by 25-30% on average. - **Energy Source**: Not applicable, as WAP focuses on reducing energy demand rather than generating power. - **Key Differentiators**: Fully funded for eligible low-income households at no cost; prioritizes health and safety improvements alongside energy savings (e.g., addressing carbon monoxide risks). - **Development Stage**: Fully operational since 1976, with ongoing enhancements through pilot programs like Weatherization Plus Health. - **Target Customers**: Low-income households, particularly vulnerable populations (elderly, families with children, disabled individuals). - **Weatherization Plus Health Initiative (Integrated Health and Energy Program)** - **Type**: Combined energy efficiency and health improvement service - **Technical Specifications**: Extends traditional weatherization to include asthma control measures, mold remediation, and other health-related home improvements. - **Energy Source**: Not applicable; focus is on reducing energy costs and improving indoor air quality. - **Key Differentiators**: Addresses non-energy benefits like reduced healthcare costs; currently in pilot phase in select states like Washington. - **Development Stage**: Pilot testing, with data analysis expected in 2025 ([commerce.wa.gov](https://www.commerce.wa.gov/weatherization-program-delivers-cost-effective-energy-health-benefits/)). - **Target Customers**: Low-income households with health concerns, particularly asthma sufferers. ### Regulatory and Licensing Status As a [[Federal|federal]] program under the DOE, WAP is not subject to nuclear regulatory oversight like the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) but operates under federal and state energy efficiency guidelines. Key regulatory aspects include: - Funding and oversight are governed by the Energy Conservation and Production Act and subsequent [[Legislation|legislation]], with annual appropriations through Congress. - Recent milestones include expanded funding under the Biden-Harris Administration’s Investing in America Agenda, with $53.6 million announced in August 2024 for innovative demonstration projects ([energy.gov](https://www.energy.gov/articles/biden-harris-administration-announces-536-million-expand-weatherization-assistance-program)). - There are no specific licensing requirements for WAP itself, though local agencies must comply with DOE guidelines for implementation. Upcoming regulatory focus includes potential increases in per-unit subsidies (from $6,500 to $12,000) as part of a bill passed by a House committee in December 2025 ([utilitydive.com](https://www.utilitydive.com/news/bill-to-expand-weatherization-programs-passes-through-house-committee/807587/)). - Timeline for expanded deployment depends on Congressional approval of new funding and policy changes, with potential impacts expected in 2026. ### Team and Leadership WAP is managed by the DOE’s Office of State and Community Energy Programs (SCEP). Key leadership includes: - **Alejandro Moreno**: Acting Assistant Secretary for Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy at DOE, overseeing SCEP and WAP. Moreno has extensive experience in energy policy and sustainable development. - **Program Managers**: Specific WAP leadership at the federal level is not individually publicized, as it operates through a distributed network of state and local administrators. State-level contacts are available through DOE’s WAP directory. Social media handles for individual leaders are not verified or relevant for this program, though DOE communications are often shared by officials like Secretary Jennifer Granholm ([@SecGranholm](https://x.com/SecGranholm)). ### Funding and Financial Position WAP is funded through federal appropriations, with additional support from state and utility programs. Key financial details include: - Total historical funding exceeds $12 billion since 1976, with significant boosts under recent legislation. - Latest funding announcements include $53.6 million in August 2024 and $36 million in July 2024 for innovative weatherization projects under the Investing in America Agenda ([energy.gov](https://www.energy.gov/articles/biden-harris-administration-invests-36-million-expand-innovative-weatherization-assistance)). - As a government program, WAP has no market cap or stock performance metrics. Funding is allocated annually via Congressional budgets, with states receiving grants based on population and need. - Revenue status is not applicable; WAP operates as a cost-saving initiative for households rather than a revenue-generating entity. ### Recent News and Developments | Date | Event | Details | |---------------|----------------------------------------|--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | Dec 14, 2025 | House Committee Bill Passage | House Energy and Commerce Committee unanimously passed a bill to raise WAP subsidies to $12,000 per unit and extend federal assistance for five years ([utilitydive.com](https://www.utilitydive.com/news/bill-to-expand-weatherization-programs-passes-through-house-committee/807587/)). | | Oct 21, 2025 | Updated WAP Guidance | USAGov updated resources on WAP eligibility and energy efficiency assistance options ([usa.gov](https://www.usa.gov/weatherization-energy-programs)). | | Sep 16, 2025 | Advocacy for WAP Protection | Alliance to Save Energy published a blog emphasizing WAP’s importance for low-income families amid funding concerns ([ase.org](https://www.ase.org/blog/weatherization-works-case-protecting-americas-largest-residential-efficiency-program)). | | Aug 21, 2024 | $53.6 Million Funding Announcement | DOE announced $53.6 million to expand WAP through demonstration projects and partnerships ([energy.gov](https://www.energy.gov/articles/biden-harris-administration-announces-536-million-expand-weatherization-assistance-program)). | | Jul 30, 2024 | $36 Million Investment | Biden-Harris Administration allocated $36 million for innovative WAP projects to lower utility bills ([energy.gov](https://www.energy.gov/articles/biden-harris-administration-invests-36-million-expand-innovative-weatherization-assistance)). | ### Partnerships and Collaborations - **State and Tribal Governments**: WAP partners with state energy offices (e.g., Colorado Energy Office) and tribal organizations to administer funds and services. These partnerships ensure localized delivery tailored to regional needs ([energyoffice.colorado.gov](https://energyoffice.colorado.gov/weatherization-assistance-program)). - **Local Community Action Agencies**: Over 900 local agencies nationwide implement WAP services, providing direct outreach and labor for weatherization projects. This network enhances accessibility for rural and urban households. - **Utility Companies**: Some states integrate WAP with utility-funded efficiency programs, leveraging additional resources to expand reach. Recent posts on X highlight state-level collaborations in Nevada and Pennsylvania. - **Health Organizations (Weatherization Plus Health)**: Pilot programs partner with health agencies to address asthma and other conditions, adding strategic value by linking energy savings to healthcare cost reductions ([commerce.wa.gov](https://www.commerce.wa.gov/weatherization-program-delivers-cost-effective-energy-health-benefits/)). ### New Hampshire Relevance WAP has direct relevance to [[New Hampshire]] (NH) through its alignment with state energy goals and existing infrastructure. NH’s cold climate increases heating costs for low-income households, making WAP’s insulation and heating system upgrades particularly impactful. The program is administered in NH by the Office of Planning and Development, with services delivered through Community Action Programs. - **Proximity to Infrastructure**: While not tied to specific facilities like [[Seabrook Station]] or the ISO-NE grid, WAP’s focus on residential efficiency complements NH’s grid stability goals by reducing peak demand. - **Technology Readiness**: WAP is fully operational in NH, with no deployment timeline barriers. Services are available immediately to eligible households. - **Legislative Alignment**: NH’s energy efficiency initiatives, such as those under the NH Energy Efficiency Resource Standard, align with WAP’s mission. Legislation like HB 710 (if relevant to efficiency) could further support program expansion. - **Potential Applications**: Beyond residential savings, WAP could indirectly benefit NH data centers or industrial facilities by freeing up grid capacity through demand reduction. - **Existing Connections**: NH has active WAP participation, with thousands of homes weatherized historically. There is expressed interest in Northeast energy efficiency, as seen in regional DOE funding allocations. ### Competitive Position WAP operates in a unique space as a government-funded program rather than a commercial entity, but it can be compared to other energy efficiency initiatives: - **Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)**: Also federally funded, LIHEAP focuses on direct bill assistance rather than structural upgrades. WAP’s advantage is long-term cost savings through permanent home improvements, though it lacks LIHEAP’s immediate financial relief. - **State and Utility Efficiency Programs**: Many states and utilities offer rebates or loans for weatherization, but these often exclude low-income households due to upfront costs. WAP’s no-cost model is a key differentiator, though funding limitations restrict its scale compared to broader utility programs. - **Private Retrofit Companies**: Commercial providers offer advanced technologies but at a cost inaccessible to WAP’s target demographic. WAP’s risk is potential funding cuts, as highlighted in recent advocacy ([ase.org](https://www.ase.org/blog/weatherization-works-case-protecting-americas-largest-residential-efficiency-program)). ### Closing Note The Weatherization Assistance Program remains a critical federal initiative, actively reducing energy burdens for low-income households with a promising trajectory of expanded funding and innovative pilots in 2025. *Report generated December 24, 2025*