Energy Efficiency Improvements for Homeowners

Last week we announced that we received a $5 million dollar Home Energy-Efficiency Grant. Here are some details on how you can qualify for up to $5000 to make energy-efficient improvements on your home. To start the process you must call 528-4393 this Saturday, February 20, 2010.

Energy Efficiency Improvements for Homeowners

MLGW will perform an energy inspection; identify energy improvements; retain contractors; fund the service, repair or replacement of heating, ventilation and cooling (HVAC) system, water heater and building envelope energy efficiency components (insulation, windows and doors); and perform a post-work inspection at no cost to selected qualified Memphis homeowners.

Participant Qualifications:

1. The named property must be located in the city of Memphis and contain a single-family residence.

2. The applicant must own the home and reside at the named property.

3. The utility account at the named property must be in the name of the applicant.

4. To avoid overlap with other Federal energy programs, total household income must be above 200% of poverty guidelines based on family size. MLGW has set maximum income values near 300% of poverty to reach customers with the greatest financial need. Click here to see the household income ranges that meet the qualifications.

5. The applicant (or representative) must attend an EnergySmart Workshop presented by MLGW prior to the start of improvements.

6. Customers who have received American Recovery and Reinvestment Act Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP) funds from the Community Services Agency (CSA) are not eligible for this program.

7. Active, full-time and part-time employees of the City of Memphis and MLGW are not eligible.

How to Apply for Assistance:

1. Customers must call a special MLGW phone number (901-528-4393) on Saturday, February 20, 2010 from 8:00 am until 8:00 pm. and leave a message including their name, address and telephone number on a voice mail system. This is the only application request method allowed. Calls time stamped prior to 8:00am will not be eligible. All requests will be retrieved and a program application will be mailed to callers on March 22, 2010.

a. Due to the limited funds and expected large demand, only the first 1,000 callers will receive an Application.

b. Callers numbered 1,001 to 2,100 will receive a Waiting Letter, informing them that if funds become available, they will be sent an application based on their original call time.

2. Deadline to return applications: Completed applications will only be accepted by mail and must be postmarked on or before April 9, 2010. Failure to meet this deadline or the submission of an incomplete application will result in the denial of application.

3. Applicant Selection Process: Program participants will be based on a first- requested, first-qualified basis. All awards will be made based initially on the date and time stamp of the applicant’s call, if all program qualifications are met. All awarded applicants will be notified via a Letter of Award by May 10, 2010. The Letter of Award will include a timeframe during which you can expect work to begin. Because all applications are being taken on February 20, 2010, it will take more than two years before all projects are completed.

What to Expect Once You Are Selected:

MLGW is conducting work to better manage this multi-year program. Once you have received your Letter of Award, the process will include these steps. The timing will be based on your approval number.

1. MLGW will visit to inspect the property for energy waste, prepare a scope of work for improvements and perform a review for Historic Preservation status. Reviews for homes in identified historic districts and/or homes older than 50 years may take longer to complete.

2. Homeowner (or representative) must attend a free EnergySmart Memphis workshop between award notification and the start of contractor work.

3. Contractors will then bid on the home’s scope of work and be selected by MLGW, based on the lowest bid.

4. MLGW will contact the homeowner to schedule a time to visit the home with the selected contractor to discuss the recommended improvements.

5. The contractor will obtain materials and begin work.

6. MLGW will visit to inspect the completed work. If any deficiencies are found, MLGW will notify the contractor to return to make adjustments.

7. The contractor will invoice MLGW.

How Much Energy and Money You Will Save:

Households assisted can expect to see improvements in comfort, lower energy use and lower energy costs. Savings will vary based on the condition of the house prior to program participation, the improvements funded and homeowner’s interest in maximizing energy efficiency.

You can track your actual energy savings through the My Account section of MLGW’s website. Simply register, then login and click the Billing History link to see your electricity and natural gas usage over a 24-month billing period. This enables you to compare usage before and after the energy improvements were made. Remember to compare similar months for the most accurate information. Use the Graph options to track the impact of weather (in heating and cooling degree days) on your energy usage.

MLGW will track energy usage before and after improvements to determine the actual energy impact, in dollars, energy units and avoided emissions, compared to a baseline year.