Energy experts looking for homes to retrofit

By Karen Rifkin

For the Ukiah Daily Journal

North Coast Energy Services, a non-profit since 1981, subsidized by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, provides low-income home energy assistance funds for those who qualify under their program guidelines.

Executive Director Linda McQueen, executive director for 31 years, explains the available assistance that the agency provides.

"One of our programs helps people, those who are income qualified, to pay their utility bills so they don't get their services cut off. They can get a once-a-year payment of up to $400 and if they have an extraordinarily high bill with a pending shutoff notice, we can provide up to a $1,000 in assistance," McQueen said.

They also do weatherization for those who qualify including attic and under-flooring and replacement of windows and doors, weather stripping, shower heads and aerators at no cost. If the work is done for a renter, it is at no cost to the landlord.

Prior to the work Patrick Bauer assesses the home and tests for carbon monoxide; they put in smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors and if necessary can replace certain appliances and heating and cooling systems, forced air heat units, central air conditioning, window air conditioners and evaporative coolers.

They have recently begun a pilot program in the six counties in which they operate Mendocino, Lake, Sonoma, Solana, Napa and Yolo and are now putting in solar water heating systems for those who are presently using natural gas.

Bauer explains, "We put solar collectors, thin solar panels, on the roof. The roof has to be in good standing, facing southeast or south west with no adjacent shading. The system is filled with propylene glycol, heated by the sun, that runs through the collector and the system and heats the water in the unit. We install a second 50-gallon tank next to the water heater that holds constantly heated water. Natural gas is necessary only when there is no sun and it saves up to 90 percent on the water bill."

They have retrofitted eight homes in the last two months and are hoping to do a total of 25 in Ukiah. They are actively seeking qualified individuals and families and the application process is a very simple one. The agency looks at 30 days of income, a utility bill, from both the City of Ukiah and PG&E, and verification of income such as wages or social security. They establish an energy burden by dividing energy costs by income to determine eligibility.

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Energy experts looking for homes to retrofit