California Weatherization Assistance Programs
California's Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP) delivers free energy-efficiency upgrades to income-qualified households through Community Action Agencies. The program reduces heating and cooling costs while addressing health and safety issues in the home.
California Weatherization Assistance Program
California WAP is funded by U.S. DOE and administered by the Department of Community Services and Development. Average savings exceed $400 annually per household.
What it provides: Free home energy audits and weatherization improvements
Assistance: Insulation, duct sealing, HVAC tune-ups, refrigerator replacement, and minor health-and-safety repairs.
Eligibility: Priority for elderly, disabled, and families with children; both owners and renters may qualify.
Who may qualify:
- Households at or below 200% of federal poverty level
- Recipients of CalFresh, Medi-Cal, or SSI
- Renters with landlord permission
Requirements:
- Income documentation or automatic eligibility via public benefits
- Landlord agreement for rental units
- Pre- and post-installation inspection
How to apply: Apply through your local Community Action Agency listed on the CSD provider directory.
Official source: CSD Weatherization
Low Income Weatherization Program (LIWP)
LIWP targets agricultural regions where farmworkers face high energy burdens. Upgrades benefit all qualifying units in participating buildings.
What it provides: Whole-building weatherization for multifamily properties serving farmworker housing
Assistance: Comprehensive building envelope, HVAC, and solar thermal upgrades at no cost to tenants.
Eligibility: Buildings must meet program size and tenant income requirements.
Who may qualify:
- Multifamily building owners serving low-income tenants
- Farmworker housing communities
- Properties in designated disadvantaged communities
Requirements:
- Building energy audit
- Tenant income verification
- Owner participation agreement
How to apply: Property owners apply through CSD-approved LIWP contractors in the San Joaquin Valley and other eligible regions.
Official source: CSD LIWP
Energy Savings Assistance Program (ESA)
ESA is mandated by the California Public Utilities Commission and delivered by investor-owned utilities. Services are separate from but complementary to WAP.
What it provides: No-cost energy-efficiency measures through utility companies
Assistance: LED bulbs, efficient showerheads, refrigerator replacement, attic insulation, and minor repairs.
Eligibility: Automatic eligibility for CARE/FERA enrollees; others must meet income guidelines.
Who may qualify:
- Income-qualified utility customers of PG&E, SCE, SDG&E, and SoCalGas
- Households enrolled in CARE or FERA rate programs
- Renters and homeowners
Requirements:
- Active utility account
- Landlord permission for renters
- Scheduled in-home assessment
How to apply: Enroll online or by phone through your utility's Energy Savings Assistance program page.
Official source: CPUC ESA