Low Income Energy Efficiency

The Low-Income Energy-Efficiency Grant Program provides grant funding to a state and tribal governments that implement programs — which supplement the Department of Energy's Weatherization Assistance Program — in BPA's customer utility territory. 
Did you know? The average energy burden for low-income households is 8.6%, three times higher than the average energy burden of 3% for non-low-income households. Depending on climate and income levels, the energy burden can even be as high as 30%. (Low-Income Community Energy Solutions | Department of Energy)

The Bonneville Power Administration’s (BPA) Low-Income Energy Efficiency (LIEE) program directly benefits qualifying low-income residents by funding the installation of energy-efficiency measures in their homes at no cost. Residents benefit from lower utility bills, healthier indoor air, and a more comfortable environment. Measures include insulation, air sealing, and efficient HVAC systems, water heating, and some appliances. Utilities, states, and tribal staff work with community action agencies and directly with installers to income-qualify residents and complete the work. This Program supplements the Department of Energy's Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP).

BPA’s LIEE program provides funding through two pathways. One path is through grants established directly with state and tribal governments for residents in BPA's customer utility territory. The other is through BPA customer utility LIEE Energy Efficiency Incentives (EEI) programs.

The Low-Income New Opportunities Guide (available in Spanish) is a resource designed to help explain BPA’s LIEE programs, how the different funding sources work, and how to build new connections within the Low-Income network. A one-sheet summary of the Guide (available in Spanish) is also available for anyone who would like a more general overview of the LIEE program.

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