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| Weatherization enables low-income families in Nebraska to reduce their energy bills by making their homes more energy efficient. |
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Help With Paying Utility Bills
The Weatherization Assistance Program does not provide help in paying utility bills. Use one of the links below to apply for bill paying assistance or to file a complaint about your utility.
Information and Contacts
Nebraska Public Service Commission Complaint Form
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 Income Limits for Free Improvements |
To receive free weatherization services for your home, your income must fall below 200% of the federal poverty level, which is revised annually.
Note: Households with persons receiving either ADC (Aid to Dependent Children) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) are automatically eligible for weatherization.
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2012 Poverty Income Guidelines — 200% of Poverty Level Effective January 26, 2012
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Household Size |
Maximum Household Income |
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1
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$22,980 |
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2
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$31,020 |
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3
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$39,060 |
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4
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$47,100 |
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5
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$55,140 |
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6
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$63,180 |
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7
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$71,220 |
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8
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$79,260 |
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For Each Additional Family Member Add
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$4,020 |
For more specific information about the Weatherization Assistance Program, contact your local service provider or contact Julie Hendricks at the Nebraska Energy Office.
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 Number of Homes Weatherized |
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The number of homes that can be weatherized in any given year is dependent on the amount of funding allocated by Congress to the Weatherization Assistance Program.
In Nebraska, funds are divided among the local Community Action organizations that provide weatherization services to Nebraskans. The amount given to each organization is based on several factors including the number of low income Nebraskans living in the counties served by the local Community Action organization.
The map below illustrates the number of homes in local Community Action organizations that were weatherized in 2010.
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More than 20 Years
The Nebraska Energy Office administers this federally-funded program for weatherizing homes to save money and energy.
Since the Weatherization Assistance Program began in 1979, $123.96 million has been spent to make energy efficiency improvements in 64,441 homes. In 2010, maximum household income levels were revised to 200 percent of the federal poverty guidelines, making free home weatherization available to thousands more Nebraskans than last year.
Energy savings resulting from the energy efficiency improvements made typically last 20 years or longer. Conservatively, estimated savings for the 30 years total $96.8 million. About $4.4 million in new savings accrue annually as a result of the improvements made as illustrated in Figure 3.
About $4.4 million in new savings accrue annually.
Other Impacts
Energy expenses comprise an economic drain on low-income communities. Often, energy bills account for more than 20 percent of a family’s gross income. Typically, more than 80 percent of this expense leaves the community.
In contrast, weatherization reduces this drain and keeps investments circulating in local economies. For individual families the gain is immediate — up to 18.7 percent in Nebraska, and an average annual savings on utility bills of $126.
Weatherization investments in housing stock aid upkeep and increase the value of housing in these communities. By reducing long-term energy costs, weatherization makes these housing units more affordable.
Weatherization can also have an impact on low-income communities by stimulating the local home energy efficiency industry. The mainstay of this industry consists of the local service providers — mostly community action agencies in Nebraska — that make the improvements in the homes. These jobs represent a significant source of economic development through what economists call the "multiplier effect." This effect describes the phenomenon whereby money circulates in local economies and is used to measure local economic development. The U.S. Department of Energy estimates conservatively an economic multiplier of three from the investment in weatherization services in the homes of low-income Americans.
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Periodically, the Low-Income Weatherization Assistance Program in Nebraska is evaluated to analyze its effectiveness and to find ways to increase the energy and dollar savings of those receiving the free services. Similar studies are also conducted across the nation.
The Energy, Economic and Environmental Impacts Of the Nebraska Energy Office’s Dollar and Energy Savings Loan Program and Weatherization Assistance Program, September 2012
Nebraska Evaluation, 1993-1994 and 1994-1995
The average home weatherized during program years 1993/94 and 1994/95 saved an average of 18.7% of total consumption of the fuel used for heating. This resulted in an average reduction of $126 in annual utility bills. Due to the decrease in energy use, these homes also contributed to reducing emissions of greenhouse gases. On average, each home reduced carbon dioxide emissions by 2,297 pounds, sulfur dioxide emissions by 0.435 pound, and nitrogen oxides by 0.706 pound.
Click here for the complete study.
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 Weatherization Assistance Center |
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Weatherization Updates and Efficiency Standards
State Allocation Plan
Weatherization Reference Manuals
Weatherization Program Health and Safety Forms
Weatherization Brochures
Davis-Bacon Act
Buy American Provision
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Local Contacts
