Weatherization Assistance

The N.C. Weatherization Assistance Program helps low‐income North Carolinians save energy and reduce utility bills. The program is administered through the North Carolina Energy Office in the N.C. Department of Commerce. Program funding includes $9.7 million annual funding from the U.S. Department of Energy and nearly $132 million from the federal Recovery Act

Martin County Community Action Inc. is the non-profit agency tasked with doing this work in Wilson County, as well as Nash, Edgecombe and many other nearby counties. It has an office at Jackson Chapel First Missionary Baptist Church, 571 E. Nash St.

Through its Weatherization Program, trained technicians evaluate the needs of each home by conducting and energy audit. They suggest the energy efficiency methods that are the most appropriate and cost-effective for each home, making it warm in the winter, cool in the summer and safe all year long.

Typical services include:

  • Performing tune-ups and repairs to heating and cooling systems.
  • Improving health and safety conditions
  • Sealing major air leaks
  • Installing insulation in attics, walls, and floors
  • Installing smart thermostats
  • Replacing existing lighting with energy efficient bulbs

Once the energy audit is complete, a technician will explain how the work will be done. Clients are also informed of ways to conserve energy.

On average, MCCAI is able to improve energy efficiency enough to reduce an average-sized home's annual energy costs by $300 per home.

Federal and state grants make this service available to households making up to 200 percent of the federal poverty level, for example, $44,100 for a family of four. The City of Wilson recently received a grant that will allow MCCAI to serve households up to 250 percent of the poverty level, or $55,125 for a family of four.

Call MCCAI at 252.206.0735 to find out more.