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: 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 serve Humboldt and Modoc counties.

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

** 2018 Program Year:  Until all of our funding for 2018 is spent, we will take calls on the HEAP line 707-444-3834, from 8:30 - 12:00 and 1:00 - 5:00, Monday through Friday.

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

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 OFFERED MAY 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 showerhead 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 2019:

  • Family of 1: $2,170.74
  • Family of 2: $2,838.66
  • Family of 3: $3,506.58
  • Family of 4: $4,174.50
  • Family of 5: $4,842.42
  • Family of 6: $5,510.34
  • Family of 7: $5,635.58
For questions regarding Weatherization services, failed heater or water heaters and refrigerators, please call 707-444-3831 ext. 201, 202, 204 or 207.
We also have an 800 number for those in more rural areas: 1-800-252-4440 ext. 201, 202, 204 or 207.

Lead Hazard Control Inspection

This service is not currently available

RCAA offers lead-based paint hazard reduction services on a fee-for-services and grant-funded basis, when available. The services are designed to make housing that is occupied by families with small children and pregnant women lead-safe.

RCAA employs State of California Department of Health Services certified lead-based paint Inspectors/Risk Assessors, Supervisors, and Workers.

RCAA’s lead staff completes all phases of lead hazard reduction work from initial inspections to final clearances. We are knowledgeable and experienced with soil remediation, single and multifamily construction as well as single and multi-level housing.

The Energy and Environmental Services Division offers lead based paint hazard reduction services on a fee for service and grant funded basis, when available. The services are designed to make housing occupied by families with small children lead safe and to safeguard the workers through following lead safe practices. Additional benefits are derived from increasing the homes' energy efficiency through weatherization retrofits, the reduction of air pollution and reduced energy costs. RCAA employs California State Department of Health Services' certified Lead Based Paint Inspectors/Risk Assessors, Supervisors, Project Monitors and crew persons.

RCAA's lead staff have completed all phases of lead hazard reduction work from initial inspections to final clearances. We are knowledgeable and experienced with soil remediation, single and multi-story construction.

RCAA LEAD BASED PAINT HAZARD REDUCTION SERVICES INCLUDE:

  • Inspections/Risk Assessments
  • Hazard Screens
  • Project Monitoring
  • On-site Supervision
  • Lead hazard reduction and/or abatement work

LEAD HAZARDS

Lead based paint does not present a danger until it becomes deteriorated. Once the paint begins to chalk, flake or turns into lead dust, it presents a serious hazard for workers, their families and households with small children. The repair or removal of leaded paint can reduce or eliminate the hazards.

PREPARATION

Proper preparation of a lead site makes for an easy clean-up and the prevention of lead dust from escaping into a non-contained environment. The lead crews build containment to prevent the transfer of lead dust or paint from the work area to the area outside of containment.

CREW SAFETY

Working inside containment, crews complete the work wearing the appropriate safety gear for the job. The higher the exposure to lead, the more safety precautions are employed.

CONTAINMENT

Building containment for interior and exterior work requires creativity and knowledge. Containment is built to prevent the transfer of lead dust and paint chips from inside the containment area into the environment or other parts of the home. Lead dust or paint chips, if not contained, can inadvertently be taken home by workers or spread throughout the house, potentially harming small children, pets and workers' families.

RCAA couples energy efficiency retrofits and repairs with the completion of all lead jobs to maximize resources. This is one more way that we work to reduce the energy costs for clients and air pollution. The inclusion of lead safe cleaning and maintenance practices is the final component of RCAA's lead hazard reduction services for clients.


 

How do RCAA's programs impact you?

  • Natural Resouces 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.
  • 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.