The Nebraska Weatherization Assistance Program (NeWAP) Network held its Annual Fall Meeting in Lincoln on October 16, 2018. Twenty-eight participants from eight Nebraska Service Provider regions attended:

• Blue Valley
• Central Nebraska
• Northeast Nebraska
• Habitat for Humanity of Omaha
• Lancaster and Saunders Counties
• Mid-Nebraska
• Northwest Nebraska
• Southeast Nebraska

Weatherization Program Directors and staff were provided updates on the latest U.S. Department of Energy Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP) and the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) requirements.

New program information provided and discussed included:

• New NeWAP requirements to complete precautionary work in all weatherized homes that will help to reduce the potential for occupant exposure to radon.
  
  
• Additional LIHEAP funding assistance being provided to the NeWAP network to provide Emergency Repair and Replacement Furnace and Air Conditioner assistance within their service territory.
  
  
• The results of the Energy Consumption Evaluation for homes weatherized in fiscal year 2016-2017 showed a statewide average natural gas savings of 7.49 percent and electricity savings of 7.48 percent per home. There was also discussion regarding the most appropriate ways the network could track health benefits to our clients after completing numerous health and safety improvements.

A Career Helping Others

NeWAP members also took time to celebrate the retirement of Judy Hughes, Housing Director for Central Nebraska Community Action Partnership. Judy has been assisting people in Central Nebraska with their housing needs for more than thirty years and has participated in the Weatherization Program for much of that time. Judy’s experience and knowledge of the program will be greatly missed. Enjoy your retirement Judy!

Amber Beck will take over Judy Hughes' position as Housing Director at Central Nebraska Community Action Partnership in Loup City, Nebraska.