Since 1977 the Nebraska Energy Office has administered the Low Income Weatherization Assistance Program — a federally funded program for weatherizing homes to save money and energy. The objective of the program is to increase the energy efficiency of homes for low-income families to reduce their energy consumption and lower their energy bills while increasing the comfort of their homes. The program helps groups such as the elderly, people with disabilities and families with children.

Since the Weatherization Assistance Program began, $204.5 million has been spent to make energy efficiency improvements in 68,806 homes. In 2010, maximum household income levels were revised to 200 percent of the federal poverty guidelines, making free home weatherization available to thousands more Nebraskans.

Energy savings resulting from the energy efficiency improvements made typically last 20 years or longer. Conservatively, estimated savings for the past 40 years total $118.5 million.

Since 2013 seven, non-profit organizations provided weatherization services to local communities. Service provider crews or private contractors are responsible for completing the work on the homes. They are also responsible for establishing eligibility, performing an energy audit on the residence and scheduling the weatherization work.

In February, 2018 Habitat for Humanity Omaha (HHO) joined the weatherization program and became the State's eighth service provider. HHO will weatherize the homes of low-income Nebraskans in Omaha and the Douglas County area.

Contact Habitat for Humanity Omaha for more information on applying for home weatherization. Habitat for Humanity of Omaha is located at 1701 N. 24th St., Omaha, NE 68110. Danyelle Baratta is the Weatherization Program Manager. Email: dbaratta@habitatomaha.org, or phone 402-884-6626.