What services are provided by REEP?
REEP consists of 2 programs:
- REEP Basic- open to all residents in designated “REEP” neighborhoods.
- Participants may be eligible to receive the basic measures including weatherstripping, window caulking, attic insulation, and energy efficient light bulbs.
- REEP Plus- open to REEP neighborhoods, however applicant’s income must not exceed 125% of the federal poverty guidelines to be approved.
- Participants may be eligible to receive REEP basic measures plus an Energy Star refrigerator, Energy Star ceiling fans, Energy Star window air conditioning units and solar screens.
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How do I sign-up?
You may download and print an application off of the website (Applications link on the left side of this page) or to have an application mailed to you, call the REEP Hotline at 832-393-8101.
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Where is the City currently conducting the program?
Citywide.
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What is a REEP neighborhood?
To qualify for REEP, the total income of the household must be at or below 200% of the federal income poverty guidelines. For 2009, that breaks down to:
2009 Poverty Level Guidelines |
Family Size |
200% monthly |
200% annually |
1 |
$ 1,805.00 |
$ 21,660.00 |
2 |
$ 2,428.33 |
$ 29,140.00 |
3 |
$ 3,051.67 |
$ 36,620.00 |
4 |
$ 3,675.00 |
$ 44,100.00 |
5 |
$ 4,298.33 |
$ 51,580.00 |
6 |
$ 4,921.67 |
$ 59,060.00 |
7 |
$ 5,545.00 |
$ 66,540.00 |
8 |
$ 6,168.33 |
$ 74,020.00 |
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Why does the program only focus on certain neighborhoods, shouldn’t this be city wide?
The focus on specific neighborhoods is because it is more efficient and cost effective for both the City and contractors. The City saves by being able to focus its limited staff and resources in a specific area. Contractors can reduce costs by being able to mobilize crews in a specific area. More importantly, by focusing our resources on specific neighborhoods we can develop trust within this neighborhood which increases the likelihood of more individuals hearing about the program and signing-up. We intend on covering as much of the City as possible with the new stimulus money, but we are going to continue with our core and spread out from there as we finish each of these neighborhoods.
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How much savings should I expect from this program?
We have found that on average households reduce their energy consumption by 12 to 18%. This translates into a cost savings of about $335 per household during Houston’s hottest months.
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How many homes have the City weatherized?
The City, in partnership with CenterPoint, has weatherized over 7,000 homes.
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How much does the City spend per home?
On average, the City and CenterPoint have spent $1,000 per home.
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Where does the funding coming from?
The funding comes from two sources. The current program has received total funding of $7 million. CenterPoint, through its Agency in Action program, has provided $4.5 million. The City of Houston, through its TIRZ set-aside money has provided $2.5 million.
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Why does the City provide this service when people should be able to do this themselves?
There are multiple reasons why the City developed this program, neighborhood stability and energy savings. First, the City primarily focuses on low income and elderly households. These are households that face very high energy bills and do not have the means or ability to fix their homes and reduce their costs. The City is concerned that these individuals may have to leave the neighborhood, thereby weakening the neighborhood. Another reason is that the City believes it can significantly reduce energy consumption throughout the entire city with this program. The goal is to reduce the City's energy consumption, thereby reducing the need for new transmission and distribution lines, as well as new power generation. The net result is less costs to all homeowners, less power generation and transmission development costs leads to less costs being passed down to all rate payers. Further, less coal powered generation means better air quality and higher quality of life for Houston residents.
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How does the City’s relationship work with CenterPoint?
This is a relationship that includes the City of Houston, CenterPoint and Frontier. CenterPoint has contracted with Frontier to manage their portion of the program. The work flow follows below...
The City assesses a REEP Plus home -->The City enters measures to be installed in AIA/Frontier database (CenterPoint's DB)-->City submits workorder to CenterPoint -->CenterPoint and its consultant Frontier approve workorder -->CenterPoint pays Frontier, its contractor for the amount of the workorder -->Frontier sends payment notice to City -->The money is wired by Frontier to the City's account-->City moves money to Fund 2007 (REEP Fund).
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Why does the City pay $9 a light bulb?
The City does not pay $9 a light bulb. The $9 consists of material costs, labor costs and overheard and profit. When this contract was bid out in 2007, CFL bulbs were considerably higher. Presently, the cost has decreased and the City has reflected it in its latest rounds of contract negotiations. At this new price, the actual light bulb material cost is $2.78 per bulb. The City will continue to adjust this price, as well as all other prices as it amends existing contracts.
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I was told that someone can insulate my house for .30 per square foot, why is the City paying twice that amount?
According to contractors we have called and the RS Means Residential Remodeling book 2009, blown-in cellulose insulation R-22, 6.5 inches, will cost between .55 to .80 cents per square foot. This is high quality insulation that will last up to 20 years with minimal compression. When a contractor quotes you .30 per square foot, the contractor is likely not providing a true R-22, but rather what appears to be an R-22, due to filling the insulation with air. After about 6 months, your R-22 will lose most of its insulating capacity.
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