National Partners & Resources

The Energy Partnerships Team partners with Weatherization and Energy Efficiency organizations across the country. Discover expert resources and explore potential partnerships below.

National Association for State Community Service Programs

The National Association for State Community Services Programs (NASCSP) is a national hub for the network of state agencies that administer the Community Services Block Grant Program (CSBG) and the Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP). NCAP partners with NASCSP on most initiatives. Of note, NASCSP’s significant Weatherization Workforce & Wage Survey provides analysis and insight on salary levels for WAP positions through the majority of states. Visit NASCSP Weatherization Publications for a full directory of resources.

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National Association of Regulatory Utility Commissioners

The National Association of Regulatory Utility Commissioners (NARUC) represents state public utility commissions (PUCs) that regulate investor-owned natural gas, electric, and water utilities. These government entities are vital to the WAP network because their proceedings often spur energy conservation programs, which can direct funding to the WAP. However, negotiations around low-income set-asides and specific rules for installing and reporting measures are accessible to community based organizations.  Moreover, DOE allows WAP state plans to allocate funds to support leveraging activities such as these. To identify the PUC in your state, visit NARUC Regulatory Commissions. 

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National Association of State Utility Consumer Advocates

The National Association of State Utility Consumer Advocates (NASUCA) represents entities that protect the public interest before the state Public Utility Commission (PUC). Such groups are usually able to help local advocates influence consumer protections and program funding for disadvantaged communities. To find the utility consumer advocate for your state, visit NASUCA Members. For more information on advocacy at your PUC, contact aenglish@communityactionpartnership.com .  

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National Energy Assistance Directors Association

The National Energy Assistance Directors Association (NEADA) represents state directors of the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP). NEADA provides federal policy updates, fact sheets and other resources, such as the Faces of LIHEAP video library. 

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National Energy and Utility Affordability Coalition

The National Energy and Utility Affordability Coalition (NEUAC) brings together LIHEAP program administrators, other social service providers, and utilities together for education and advocacy at the national level. NEUAC leads the coalition to Washington, DC each winter for LIHEAP Action Day. 

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National Laboratories

DOE’s 17 National Labs research scientific issues and challenges, including energy conservation and building science. The National Laboratory of the Rockies, formerly the National Renewable Energy Laboratory,  created and supports the official DOE Weatherization Assistance Program Administrative Trainings,  provides a wealth of additional WAP information and resources. The Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) created and supports the Weatherization Assistant energy audit software tool, and has led key evaluations of the WAP. 

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Building Performance Institute

The Building Performance Institute (BPI) is a nonprofit organization accredited by the American National Standards Institute, Inc. as a developer of American National Standards. BPI offers a wealth of certifications and continuing education units (CEUs) for Weatherization professionals. For more information about BPI certifications or CEUs, contact Project Director Keesha M. Johnson at kjohnson@communityactionpartnership.com.  

Building Performance Association  

The Building Performance Association (BPA) is an industry association for businesses, organizations, and government agencies. BPA provides advocacy and education on all aspects of building science, including WAP-specific resources. Of note, their Energy Efficiency Jobs in America report provides a thorough portrait of workforce development issues and opportunities.

Weatherization Assistance Program

Explore the U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE) Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP) information center. Here you will find federal program guidance, memorandums, and Weatherization Program Notices (WPNs). Here are official program stats and a general overview of WAP household application processes. The WAP Successes & Solutions Center spotlights the WAP network teams that improve processes or outcomes. If you have an innovative project or partnership that you would like to share, contact us at energy@communityactionpartnership.com.  

Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program

This is the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS)’s information center. Here you can locate announcements, laws, and program implementation resources. Additionally, the LIHEAP Clearinghouse, the official federal hub for LIHEAP data, provides funding and programmatic performance information for every state, tribe, and territory. For more information about LIHEAP, contact our team at energy@communityactionpartnership.com.  

American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy

The American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy (ACEEE) is a nonprofit research organization providing significant support for low-to-moderate-income (LMI) energy efficiency programs, including the WAP. ACEEE wants to work with the local WAP network to maximize the quality and value in their reports. Key publications include their State Energy Efficiency Scorecard and Weatherization Readiness: Home Repairs That Save Energy and Lower Costs. ACEEE resources can be excellent sources of information in your work. 

Green and Healthy Homes Initiative

The Green and Healthy Homes Initiative (GHHI) advances programs to reduce lead poisoning, asthma and injury in disadvantaged communities while improving energy efficiency. GHHI is an important ally in the fight for a whole family, whole home policy approach to Weatherization. Visit GHHI Project Locations to see if they are active in your area, or GHHI Trainings to learn more about educational opportunities. Feel free to contact energy@communityactionpartnership.com with any questions.

Regional Energy Efficiency Organizations Network 

Regional Energy Efficiency Organizations (REEOs) are independent organizations that advance energy efficiency policies in each state in their region. REEOs offer information and opportunities that may interest to the WAP network. Often, they convene community, government, and technical stakeholders in the development of new programs or initiatives. For more information about building partnerships with your REEO, contact our team at energy@communityactionpartnership.com.  

Interstate Renewable Energy Council

Interstate Renewable Energy Council (IREC) is a multi-faceted organization that provides direct support to the WAP Netowrk. IREC contributes to the development of national standards for training and certification, and provides accreditation to most WAP training centers. IREC has a robust portfolio of WAP workforce development programs and resources, including Green Workforce Connect and the Green Buildings Career Map. For more information on NCAP collaboration with IREC, contact Project Director Keesha M. Johnson at kjohnson@communityaction.com.

Federal Energy Regulatory Commission
Office of Public Participation

The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) regulates interstate transmission of electricity, natural gas, and oil. FERC is also involved in proposals to build liquefied natural gas terminals, interstate natural gas pipelines, and hydropower projects. Though these do not directly affect the WAP, electric grid reliability, natural gas infrastructure, and siting of energy facilities impact communities tremendously through local utility costs, weather resilience, and public health. FERC provides educational materials about energy in America, and also has an Office of Public Participation (OPP) to answer questions and assist members of the public in getting involved in issues that may affect their community. 

National Consumer Law Center

Like Community Action, National Consumer Law Center (NCLC) was born of the “War on Poverty,” which funded low-income legal services. NCLC is a hub for a national network of legal aid providers, volunteer attorneys, policymakers, and many other allies. NCLC offers resources on a wide variety of issues that affect low-income communities, including Energy, Utilities, & Telecommunications and Disaster Relief. For more information on NCAP’s partnership with NCLC, contact our team at energy@communityactionpartnership.com.  

Explore NCAP’s Weatherization Plus newsletter for the latest federal WAP updates, training and learning opportunities, and other key resources geared to the network of local wap providers.

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