Free home weatherization offered to low-income seniors

A free home weatherization program for low-income seniors is being offered by Sierra Pacific Power Co. through the Retired and Senior Volunteer Program.

After success with the pilot program in Washoe County, Sierra Pacific recently approved the program's extension to Carson City and eventually to other areas.

"We already have a program for all low-income people. This particular program is called the 'Senior Power,' program," said Larry Rackley, project manager for energy efficiency/conservation at Sierra Pacific.

The program is open to anyone who meets eligibility requirements. Homeowners must contact RSVP, then a home companion will visit their home and assess it. The home companion will also help the homeowner fill out the application.

"Once we identify the senior and have their permission (to contact the power company), Sierra Pacific will do what may be needed, like weather stripping, wrap the water heater, put in more efficient light fixtures, caulking around the windows, check the furnace, filters, see if the thermostat is working properly and if it's readable," said Janice Ayres, executive director of RSVP.

"RSVP will also assess what type of appliance the person is cooking on and if it's safe to cook with. And what overall general condition the home is in."

Rackley, who lives in Carson City and has been with Sierra Pacific for 21 years, said it is nice to serve his own community.

"Our employees volunteer their time to do this," he said.

"We target what we call frail or homebound seniors - one's who cannot afford to do improvements to the home themselves.

"Another thing, older seniors are too proud to ask for help. This (program) is one of my favorite things, working with Janice for them to identify seniors for us to help. It's totally free to that homeowner."

Rackley said Sierra Pacific weatherized 70 homes in Washoe County in the pilot program.

"It's just basic weatherization type stuff. We're not blowing insulation or doing big-ticket items, just little things in the house to improve its efficiency."

Karen Foster, community relations manager with Sierra Pacific, said the key point of the program is utilizing the RSVP volunteers to be their eyes and ears.

"We work closely with RSVP to get to the target seniors," Foster said. "The program helps those truly in need."

"People who are rich can afford to hire someone to do this kind of work for them," Ayres said. "This is a terrific program because we don't get into the people having to provide financial proof (of eligibility). We can pretty much tell by the condition of the house if they're eligible."

Ayres said work will begin as soon as they have enough seniors, probably 10-15, signed up for the program.

Rackley said the program has gone over so well that, in addition to Carson City they will work in Las Vegas and Elko.

• Contact Rhonda Costa-Landers at rcosta-landers@nevadaappeal.com or 881-1223.

Information

WHAT: Free home weatherization

WHO: Eligible, low-income seniors

WHERE: Carson City

CALL: RSVP office at 687-4680, ext. 0