Leveraging Weatherization Funding The Energy Project March 1, 2012

The Energy Project Why was The Energy Project created?  Energy Policy Act of 1992  Advocacy  Training  Consistency

The Energy Project How was the Project created?  Convened statewide meeting  Purpose: weatherization value and opportunity  A partnership created  Agree on funding

The Energy Project Who directs The Energy Project work?  Steering Committee o Community Action Partnership o Department of Commerce o Executive Directors o CAP program managers Where is The Energy Project located?  The Opportunity Council, Bellingham, Washington

The Energy Project Project Objectives Increase energy assistance funding when utility rates increase Advocate for home repair funds Protect low- income citizens from increased base charges Educate local agencies on energy system and policy Advocate for Community Action Program network to deliver services Collaborate to create new program models and solutions

The Energy Project Capacity o Weatherization Specialist o Energy Assistance Specialist o Expert Witnesses o Legal Representation Financial o $450,000 annually o Sources expanded

Energy Project Provide technical assistance Monitor Utility Investment in Conservation Intervene in Utility Rate Cases* * Investor Owned Utilities are regulated by the Utilities and Transportation Commission Stronger local agencies Increased capacity Coordinated planning Equitable contribution Network with Other States Funding advocacy Advocate The Energy Project

The Energy Project Leverage Funding History

The Energy Project Successes Leveraged funds: $236 million Positive change: 75% Annual interventions: 3 Utility advisory groups Increased energy efficiency funding Allowance for repairs Increased energy essistance

The Energy Project Lessons Learned Partnerships Utility relationships Professional advocacy Local capacity

The Energy Project Contact: Steve Payne at