Loss of Funding for Low Income Weatherization Program Threatens Affordability Gains

The Low-Income Weatherization Program (LIWP) for Multifamily is one of the longest running home electrification programs in the state. First funded in 2014, LIWP Multifamily has helped almost 40,000 residents living in 240 affordable housing properties across California significantly lower resident and property utility costs while helping the state meet its climate goals. 

LIWP Multifamily’s latest impact report showcases the program's major contributions to increasing affordability and protecting many successes and benefits to both California’s people and its climate. LIWP Multifamily’s latest impact report shows that residents save on average over 30% on their energy bill, which is especially critical today as rising utility rates are increasing energy burdens for low-income households. On average, participating properties save nearly 50% on energy, furthering affordability, especially as other costs increase. 

The impact report also shows that LIWP Multifamily has helped California advance its climate goals by reducing harmful greenhouse gases by over 320,000 tons.

LIWP Multifamily has two unique features that result in it being one of the state’s most successful decarbonization programs:

• Flexible funding supporting a mix of efficiency and electrification measures, including solar PV. In contrast to many programs that focus on incentivizing specific measures, LIWP Multifamily offers a wide variety of incentives and can bridge funding gaps to enhance rental units and common areas.

• Comprehensive, no cost technical assistance. While other programs include a similar offering, LIWP Multifamily’s technical assistance is all-encompassing: helping plan the entire project including layering other funding sources together to cover as much of the project cost as possible.

Demand for LIWP Multifamily is high and the program is set to be fully subscribed this year, making it imperative that the Legislature and Governor continue funding LIWP Multifamily in 2026 and beyond. Please sign onto this form to advocate for continued funding for decarbonizing affordable housing through LIWP Multifamily, the Equitable Building Decarbonization program, and TECH Clean California, all programs that provide incentives for affordable housing.

The California Housing Partnership creates and preserves affordable and sustainable homes for Californians with low incomes by providing expert financial and policy solutions to nonprofit and public partners. Since 1988, the Partnership's on-the-ground technical assistance, applied research, and legislative leadership has leveraged $37 billion in private and public financing to preserve and create more than 96,000 affordable homes. 

Visit us at www.chpc.net.

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