Home Energy Partners (HEP) works to build the capacity for all Madison County residents to lower their energy costs through comprehensive energy audits, housing rehabilitation, and affordable financing for low-income clients. To achieve this mission HEP, Inc's goals include: .Partner with existing nonprofits and government agencies to provide complementary services .Promote the use of environmentally appropriate products and rehabilitation practices .Solicit input from, and ensure accountability to, clients from all socio-economic levels .Educate residents of Madison County on effective ways to reduce home energy costs .Rehabilitate homes to reduce energy cost by an average of 30%

Organizational Background

Early in 2008 representatives from over 20 regional organizations met to discuss local energy needs and strategies to educate and empower citizens. One working group focused on these issues in the context of low-income populations, and identified a need for increased services in housing rehabilitation to help these households conserve energy. At a subsequent meeting, housing and energy assistance providers determined that a new program was needed.

Founded in the fall of 2008 the as Madison County Home Energy Improvement Program, HEP will expand housing services by assisting Madison and Rockcastle Counties residents to conserve energy and to make rehabilitation affordable for low-income households.

Programs

HEP is working to provide a comprehensive approach to assist families in lowering their home utility bills, improve their comfort and create a healthier home through improved indoor air quality. We recognize that families have a variety of needs, resources, skills and motivations and that there is a need for a variety of programs which encourage and allow participation.
HEP's first step has been community workshops are the primer for many residents and the only pro-active resource in the region for renters. We teach the basics on home energy use and provide information for basic changes in lifestyle that reduce energy use and weatherization tips.
The second step in the process is individualized home analysis through either a homeowner energy audit using EPA's guide and/or through a comprehensive Building Performance Institute (BPI) Energy Audit.
The third step is assisting in linking homeowners with affordable financing, grants, rebates and other incentives for their energy retro-fit work. The final step is a test-out and inspection to ensure we reached the desired goals for energy efficiency improvement.