Community Action's Energy Programs are committed to helping community members with low income in Franklin and Hampshire Counties cover their energy costs. Our programs work to reduce energy consumption, improve heating systems, and help pay a portion of fuel and utility bills.
Fuel Assistance
Our largest program, Fuel Assistance, helps our neighbors with low incomes pay a portion of their home heating costs. The program is available to both homeowners and renters, and covers the primary source of heat. Program eligibility and payment amounts are determined by family size and gross annual household income. Payments are not intended to cover the entire cost of annual home heating, but can alleviate some of the financial burden.
Heating System Repair Program
The Heating System Program is available to all Fuel Assistance-eligible homeowners. The program can pay for emergency heating system repairs, which eliminates the need to obtain and pay for an annual service contract. For systems that are unsafe/inoperable and not repairable, the program can usually pay for entire system replacement. For systems that are inefficient but still operable, we can often replace when funding and time allows.
Electric Efficiency Audits
The Electric Efficiency Program trains Fuel Assistance participants to reduce electric usage and provides in-home auditing, and light bulb and refrigerator/freezer replacements. Through a home visit, our Community Action technicians conduct audits, train homeowners, and replace inefficient light bulbs, lamps, refrigerators and/or freezers with more efficient models, all free of charge for Fuel Assistance clients.
Weatherization
The Weatherization program is available for both homeowners and renters who receive Fuel Assistance, and/or receive the lower-income discount on their electric bill. Using local licensed contractors, the program provides free major improvements, such as attic and wall insulation, air sealing, and other energy-saving measures.