Item 2-Proposed Weatherization Program_Cyrus Reed — original pdf

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1 III. A Proposed Weatherization Program Austin Energy should create an expanded weatherization program that helps qualified low-income residents through on of three tiers. The basic tier would be modeled on the current weatherization program. We would note that Austin Energy should assess the cost-effectiveness of duct repair and replacement to see if it has been cost-effective. Most households would receive this program. A second tier would be similar to the current program that provides window AC units to certain households, based upon clear eligibility standards. A third tier would allow for central AC repair and replacement. Thus, homes with existing AC units would be assessed through a 21-point check. Those that could be repaired cost-effectively would. Those that were more than 10-years old and that could not be repaired would be replaced. Austin Energy would work with Texas Gas to take advantage of furnace replacement, and some flexibility could be allowed for full replacement based on this funding. Table. Proposed Tiered Weatherization Programs Category Weatherization Basic Program (Tier I) Weatherization Plus Weatherization Whole-House Moderate Program What is Covered Air Infiltration, Attic Insulation, LEDs or CFLs, Fire and CO Monitor, Solar Screens, Duct Work Repair and up to $500 Replacement, Low Flow Water Devices Everything to the left, Plus HVAC-Window Everything to left, plus AC repair or replacement (HVAC-Central) A Rebate Plus Low-Interest Loan Program for those not eligible for low-income weatherization Could be On-bill Repayment or Loan through Velocity/Others Average Per-Home, Per-Kilowatt 2016 Cost $3,500 $4,000 $6,000 Longer-term cost goal $2,000 $3,000 $5,000 Number of Homes Covered 80% 15% 5%  2 (example Only) Eligibility CAP customer, 200 percent of poverty Same, plus young-in or elderly, no potential for repair or replacement of AC See to left, plus Existing AC unit that is more than 10-years-old, can not be repaired through 21-point check, availability of Texas Gas could be factor MW short-term goal 0.8 0.1 0.1 MWh yearly goal 800 150 50 Who Pays for It EES Weatherization– everyone CAP Weatherization CAP Weatherization EES – separate rebate program Recommendations: Create a three-tier weatherization program. The majority of homes would be eligible only for basic weatherization services, but certain individuals and families would be eligible for window AC units or even central AC units depending upon eligibility criteria. The basic weatherization program would be paid for with the EES program, but the more expansive measures would be paid for with CAP funds.