Slow Progress and Uncertain Energy Savings in Program To Weatherize Low-Income Households

As required by Federal legislation, a review was undertaken of the Department of Energy's (DOE) weatherization assistance program and its covered activities during fiscal year 1978. Through fiscal year 1978, DOE and the Community Services Administration (CSA) administered nearly identical low-income weatherization programs. However, in fiscal year 1979, the CSA low-income weatherization program was not funded, and DOE was given full responsibility for weatherizing the homes of low-income persons to reduce high utility bills and conserve energy. The DOE program is administered on a decentralized basis through 10 regional offices. Moreover, grant funds are provided to the States which, in turn, redistribute the money to local administering agencies for program implementation.