Energy Services

Energy Services


The Energy and Environmental Services Division is committed to assisting low to moderate income households reduce their energy burden, improve the health and safety conditions of occupied housing and to foster client self-sufficiency. In support of these goals, we provide the following services in Humboldt County: energy efficiency retrofits, health and safety repairs, utility and energy assistance, lead-based paint abatement, client education & advocacy, and other services to people in need.

We also serve Modoc County eligible residents once per year for weatherization services only.

Heating Help

RCAA provides help with your heating bills through a program called HEAP. We provide assistance with your PG&E bill, wood, propane, and oil. 

Call (707) 444-3834 on Monday mornings between 9:00 a.m. and 12:00 p.m. if you haven't already received assistance from us in the past year. 

Please be patient. If you get a busy signal, just keep hitting redial as everyone who needs assistance is calling this number during this time. When our appointment slots are filled for the week, you will hear a recording advising to call back next week.

** If you have a shut-off notice from PG&E (15 day & 48 hour), call (707) 444-3831 ext. 201, 202 or 204. If we do not pick up, please leave a message with your name, phone number and what type of shut-off notice you received. We will call you back. 

** For eligibility questions, call (707) 444-3831 ext. 201, 202 or 204. Please leave a message with your name and phone number if we do not pick up, we will call you back.

** SENIOR or Homebound clients: sign up is January 2 - April 30. If you are not on the list from previous years, call on Mondays for assistance at (707) 444-3831 ext. 201, 202 or 204. Please leave a message with your name and phone number if we do not pick up, we will call you back.

Weatherization

RCAA provides weatherization services to income-eligible households. The Weatherization Program provides high-quality energy efficiency and weatherization services for income-qualified low to moderate households. The services are available for qualified renters and homeowners..

RCAA crews employ the latest technology to identify the most energy saving methods for reducing energy waste, air pollution and related energy costs for the client. Crews also test appropriate appliances for health and safety issues.

 

Some of the measures we may offer include:

  • Carbon Monoxide testing of all combustion appliances
  • Installation of a Carbon Monoxide Detector
  • Minor home repairs such as: repairing or replacing broken doors, windows, and other health and safety related issues
  • Lighting Retrofits including: Replacement of standard light bulbs with energy-saving compact fluorescent light (CFL) and LED bulbs, or hard wired fluorescent fixtures
  • Replacement of standard shower head and faucet aerators with water-saving devices
  • Replacement of inefficient refrigerators (that are manufactured prior to 1998) with an Energy Star refrigerator
  • Installation of range hoods in mobile homes, as needed
  • Installation of a programmable thermostat when possible
  • Duct repair and replacement.
  • Installation of attic, floor, and duct insulation to reduce heat loss
  • Heater and Water heater repairs/replacements.
  • Microwave Replacement
  • Toilets

As the cold weather approaches, most families across the country are turning up their thermostats to combat dropping temperatures. For low-income families, however, cranking up the heat is not always an option. These families pay 14.4% or more of their annual incomes for energy compared with only 3.3% for other non low-income families. The Weatherization Program is available to help make low-income households more energy efficient.
 

Monthly Income Guidelines for 2022

These income guidelines are for our Weatherization, Heap, and Utility Assistance programs
  • Family of 1: $2,564.73
  • Family of 2: $3,353.87
  • Family of 3: $4,143.02
  • Family of 4: $4,932.17
  • Family of 5: 5,721.31
  • Family of 6: $6,510.46
  • Family of 7: $6,658.43
  • Family of 8: $6,806.39
  • Family of 9: $6,954.36
  • Family of 10: $7,102.32


Online Forms

Please speak with staff at the Energy office before downloading these forms. Application documents submitted without having done so cannot be accepted.

How do RCAA's programs affect you?

  • Natural Resources Services (NRS) works directly with Humboldt County community leaders, schools and parents to improve safety and encourage more children to safely walk and bicycle to school. NRS helps coordinate both the Greater Eureka and Humboldt County Safe Routes to School Task Forces.
  • Teaching preschoolers oral health care is a result of the TOOTH program.
  • The Natural Resources Services works with community members, civic groups, and local jurisdictions to enhance neighborhood street tree planting and support the development of community forests for public access and watershed protection.