Home Repair and Energy Saving Measures
To improve the cost, comfort and safety of energy consumption in the homes of economically disadvantaged persons in Merced and Madera Counties.
To provide free, or low-cost, energy conservation, and health/safety quality improvements that benefit low-income households.
• Began in 1982
• To assist low-income households with home repairs and assistance with utility bills
• Financed by the Low Income Home Energy Program (LIHEAP) and Department of Energy (DOE)
• Service low income residents of Merced and Madera Counties
To help families control their energy costs, thereby freeing income for other essential expenditures. Our goal is to help 400 families move to a more self-reliant position each year, eventually solving the home energy-related problems for low-income families. A typical household saves $193 a year on energy costs after weatherization is completed.
We provide service repairs such as
• installing door weather-stripping
• low-flow showerheads
• aerators
• caulking
• attic insulation
• replacing broken glass
• minor home repairs
• installing new refrigerators, microwaves, electric and gas water heaters, and compact fluorescent light bulbs or CFL’s.
• Services are for income-eligible customers only - low income is considered 60% of the state median income adjusted for family size
• Emphasis is also placed on serving senior citizens and families with “at risk” members of their household, such as disabled members or families with little children.
• Federally funded
• Eligible low-income households can receive once-a-year cash assistance with their energy bill
• Two types of assistance:
(1.) Home Assistance Program (HEAP) – provides a direct payment to an eligible client’s utility bill to help offset the cost of heating or cooling their home.
(2.) Energy Crisis Intervention Program (ECIP) - provides assistance to low-income households that are in a crisis situation.
• Any resident of Merced County who meets the income guideline and is responsible for the energy
costs in a residence is eligible for the program.
• Because of significant funding cuts, however, the federal government recently enacted a law requiring states to target households with elderly and disabled persons, and children under six years old.
• Receipt of energy/weatherization assistance depends upon the availability of funds.
Q. How do I qualify for home weatherization assistance?
A. The program is for low-income households and the income guidelines vary with family size. You can find out what the current qualification requirements are by calling the MCCAA Energy/Weatherization Office.
Q. How often can I get help with my PG&E bill?
A. One year and one day after the last time you got help?
Q. Do you do plumbing repairs?
A. No
Q. Do you do roofs?
A. No
Q. Do you do major home repairs?
A. No, but some minor home repair is allowable under Energy/Weatherization Program policies and procedures.
Q. Where can I apply for home energy conservation assistance?
A. An application can be mail to you or picked up at the MCCAA Energy/Weatherization Office at:
1235 W. Main St., in the City of Merced or
12918 Lexington Ave, Dos Palos.
Q. Do you weatherize people in rental homes?
A. Yes, if they meet the income qualifications, funds are available, and the owner gives permission to
do the work.
To learn more about the Merced County Community Action Agency, watch our video.
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