Energy Education Programs

 

First State Community Action Agency prides themselves in offering their clients programs to promote self-sufficiency and independence. First State currently has two innovative programs that are encouraging Energy Education. Energy Education is the concept of teaching a person about their energy consumption. The purpose is to encourage and enable households to reduce their home energy needs, thereby reducing the need for energy assistance. This is taught through conservation and weatherization tips. Below is a description of the two programs at First State offering this service.

First State's Community Energy Centers (CEC) are funded by The Delaware Sustainable Energy Utility (DESEU), in partnership with the Energy Coordinating Agency (ECA). The goal of the CECs is to improve the delivery of low-income energy services in Delaware. The Community Energy Center serves as a one-stop-shop to access energy education, budgeting education and referrals to energy related services such as bill payment assistance, weatherization and home related repair services.

​

QUALIFICATIONS

To qualify, the applicant must:

• Low-moderate income (80% Annual Median Income or 200% below Federal Poverty level)

• 18 years or older

• A renter or homeowner

 

DOCUMENTATION

For your intake appointment you will need to bring:

• Photo I.D. for anyone in the home over 18 years old

• Social Security cards for everyone in the home 6 months and older

• Birth Certificates or Passports for each member of the household

• Proof of Income (e.g. 1 month of paystubs, tax records, SSI/SSDI, TANF, bank statement showing direct deposit, award letter)

 

INTAKE

Intake is available by walk-in or appointment at any of the (3) three Community Energy Centers:

 

Georgetown Community Energy Center

Thurman Adams State Service Center

Room 2102 (2nd Floor)

546 S. Bedford St, Georgetown, DE 19947

(302) 515-3015

​

Dover Community Energy Center

James W. Williams State Service Center

Room 203D (2nd Floor)

805 River Road, Dover, DE 19901

(302) 220-7775

​

The clients enrolled in the Repair Replace Heaters and Conserve Energy (RRHACE) Program, will receive additional services in the Energy Education/Assurance 16 Program. This program is funded by Low Income Home Energy Assistance (LIHEAP) under the Assurance 16 provision. Along with having their heating unit replaced/repaired, they will work closely with an Energy Educator to help lower their utility bills and provide a safer, more comfortable home. The education the client receives will make them more energy conscious leading to self-sufficiency and reducing the need for emergency services.

 

The clients in the Energy Education Program will learn how to be more efficient through free workshops and trainings, home visits and printed information. This will help the client and their family take control of their energy usage and learn "do-it-yourself" energy-saving tips. The clients will be monitored in the Energy Education Program for 12 months following their enrollment in the program.

Both programs offer Energy Education through workshops at the various locations statewide. These workshops are open to the public and do not have income requirements. Attendees will learn simple ways to make their home more comfortable and save money! At the end of the workshop each household will receive a free kit of energy saving products to install at home, including weatherization instructions, LED lightbulbs, an LED nightlight, and a Caulking Kit.

​

To request upcoming workshop dates or if you are interested in hosting a workshop, please fill out the information request area below.

​