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Frequently Asked Questions

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Single Family Weatherization

Residential weatherization saves energy and increases the comfort and value of your home.

Who can participate?

You are eligible for the weatherization program if you meet all of the following criteria:

  • your residential electric service is from Tacoma Power.
  • your electric heat system was installed before January 1, 1988.
  • have a good payment history with the utility.

A Tacoma Power conservation specialist will conduct a home energy check, which will give you a list of recommended, cost-effective conservation measures.

You can have a home energy check whether you own or rent your home. It is necessary to have the homeowner's approval, however, before conservation improvements can be made to the home.

How do I get a home energy check?

Call Tacoma Power's Energy Services Office at 253-502-8363 and ask to sign up for the weatherization program.

Customers with electric heat may be eligible for insulation and new, energy-efficient windows if the home meets certain construction criteria.

What will the weatherization program cover/finance?

There are two parts to the program: insulation measures and infiltration reduction measures.

  1. Insulation measures include ceiling insulation with ventilation; floor insulation with ground cover, ventilation, and pipe insulation; duct insulation; and wall insulation. These items may be financed by a zero interest loan from Tacoma Power.
  2. Infiltration reduction measures are items that "tighten" a house, such as replacement windows. Some limits on window replacements may apply.  Also included is a clock thermostat if you have a furnace.

At the time of your home energy check, the energy conservation specialist will discuss the conservation measures with you and will recommend those that are most cost-effective. The energy conservation specialist also will review any concerns or effects that may occur from implementing the conservation measures.

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Can I get financial help to pay my share of the cost?

Yes. Upon approval of credit, Tacoma Power offers a zero interest loan for implementing recommended conservation measures. Depending on the amount of the loan, you will have up to 7 years to repay it.

Who does the work?

As a part of your home energy check, you will get a list of participating contractors. For each measure you want to install, we recommend you get at least two bids from contractors on the list. You then must send the bids to Tacoma Power for review.

The amount of the loan you receive will be based on the lowest bid. If you prefer a contractor that is not the low bidder, you pay the difference.

How will I know if the work is done properly?

Tacoma Power will inspect all work done as part of the weatherization program to make sure it is done to Tacoma Power requirements.

What if I do not have electric heat?

You are not eligible for the no interest loan, but Tacoma Power has a variety of conservation information for you.

What if I have a limited income?

You may be eligible for additional funds if you meet this income guidelines:

Family Size Annual Household Income* Monthly Income*
1 $21,750 $1,813
2 $24,850 $2,071
3 $27,950 $2,329
4 $31,050 $2,588
5 $33,550 $2,796
6 $36,000 $3,000
7 $38,500 $3,208
8 $41,000 $3,417
* As of April 1, 2007. Subject to change without notice.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Please ask your energy conservation specialist for more details.

What if I already have had a home energy check?

We can review and update your home energy check. Call the Energy Services Office at 253-502-8363 to make arrangements.

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