Bergen County Offers Free Weatherization Assistance To Homeowners in Heights

Typical of Bergen County, many homes in Hasbrouck Heights are unique, charming, and old. Although most homes in the area have been renovated, some are still without insulation or double paned windows. The economy may be on an upswing, but some homeowners and renters still struggle to pay the energy bills that come along with the charm of these older homes. Layoffs, tax hikes, and soaring energy prices have left many Hasbrouck Heights residents, especially those on a fixed income, in the once unfathomable position of not being able to afford their heating bill.

Thomas James, 73, has been a resident of Hasbrouck Heights for the past 40 years, but said that if we have another winter as cold as last year he and his wife will have trouble paying their heating bill. James said it cost him about $500 a month last winter to heat his 1920's center hall colonial but they don't have the means to weatherproof the home. He, like many homeowners, had no idea that there are energy assistance programs available.

Although it is not widely known, the Federal Government offers a free weatherization to Bergen County resident who qualify. Bergen County's Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) is part of a nationwide, federally funded program that assists both homeowners and tenants in improving the energy efficiency of their homes and thereby lowering heating and utility bills. LIHEAP has allocated $120 million to New Jersey to help lower income households pay their winter heating bills.

In the Bergen County area, the weatherization program is run by the Bergen County Community Action Partnership (BCCAP). BCCAP is a 501(c)(3), not-for-profit Community Action Agency the provides a wide range of programs to assist the poor, the homeless, substance abusers, children, senior citizens, the foreign born and others. One of the programs they offer provides free weather-stripping and free insulation to income-eligible families. BCCAP handles all LIHEAP applications for Bergen County.

Once qualified, depending upon the results of the free energy audit, repairs might include attic insulation and basement perimeters, installation of weather-stripping and/or caulking around doors and windows, or other minor repairs to ensure optimum energy efficiency. All of this is free to the homeowner, and it can save the homeowner several hundred dollars per year in lower energy bills, not to mention help the environment simply by conserving energy and reducing waste. 

LIHEAP income eligibility levels have been lowered to 200 percent of the federal poverty level, which means that a family of four with a monthly income at or below $3,675 may be eligible. (See PDF for complete 2011 income eligibility guidelines.)

During this period of major economic uncertainty, PSE&G says it expects many more households will be able to participate in the program for the first time. 

"LIHEAP benefits are based on last month's income, so people who did not qualify for the program previously might now be able to take advantage of these essential benefits," said Joseph A. Forline, PSE&G vice president for customer operations. Bergen County residents who would not have thought they would qualify for a program like this should think again.

Hasbrouck Heights resident Becky O'Donnell was an investment banker until recent layoffs occurred at her company. 

When asked about the weatherization service O'Donnell stated, "I would never think that I would qualify for something like this. But I have been out of work for a few months and unemployment doesn't pay much so maybe I would."

O'Donnell continued on to say that she would love to weatherproof her home simply to help the environment. She said her "heat literally goes right out the window." The New Jersey Weatherization Assistance Program could be the silver lining of a layoff.

Individuals and families are urged to apply; applications will be accepted until April 30, 2011. For an application contact BCCAP at 201-968-0200 or visit the Web site for a list of additional services.