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
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 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
- 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
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.
Online Forms
Please speak with staff at the Energy office before downloading these forms. Application documents submitted without having done so cannot be accepted.
- Landlord Form 515B: For renters, this form must be completed by the property owner.
- Occupant Form 515A: Whether you rent or own, this form must be completed.
- Self Employment Statement: This must be completed by self-employed applicants.
- Zero Income 43B: For applicants without an income, this form must be completed.