Omaha + Lincoln Residents
Low-Moderate Income
Due to overwhelming demand all low to moderate income program signups in Omaha will be put on a waitlist. The Market Rate Program does not have a waitlist. Find out more information here reenergizeprogram.org/residents/path-to-reenergizing.
What will I receive for my $100 cost?
An in-home energy evaluation performed by one of our qualified energy evaluators- this provides a customized list of the most cost-effective energy upgrades for the participant's house
- recommended upgrade items are estimated to have a return on investment in under 10 years (program will calculate this)
- participant must make only the recommended upgrades, which are the most cost-effective
- sealing up drafts and leaks in doors and windows
- lighting improvements including LED and CFL replacement bulbs
- Insulation in the walls, attic, or basement
- maintenance or replacement of a furnace or water heater
- maintenance on an AC
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Quality Assurance and Checkout
- the reEnergize Program staff provides quality assurance checks at points throughout the process and the initial energy evaluator performs a check out to make sure the upgrades were installed properly and are working to their estimated performance levels
Are You Qualified?
Income Verification:
To qualify the utility payer must provide income verification. The name on the document must match the name on the utility bill. The document must include either verification of total gross income or proof that the utility payer qualifies for another low income program which meets the 80% AMI. The name on the proof documentation and on at least one (property addressed) utility bill must match.
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Verifications that are accepted include (only one is required)
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Previous year's 1040 tax return form (example) Total Gross Income - usually line 22
- To request the previous year’s tax return via phone call 1800-908-9946 with your social security number and associated address
- To request the previous year’s tax return via mailed form: fill out this form http://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/f4506t.pdf , follow instructions, print and mail to the address listed on the form. The IRS will mail back a transcript with your return or your non-filing proof.
- City of Omaha's Reinvestment Area Program
- City of Lincoln's Rehabilitation Program
- Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program (SNAP) - Electronics Benefits Transfer (EBT)
- National School Lunch Program
- Affordable housing/Section 8
- Free/Reduced School Lunch Program
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Previous year's 1040 tax return form (example) Total Gross Income - usually line 22
- $100 enrollment paid to the evaluator. The tenant, the landlord or a donor can pay this.
- Home to be upgraded must be in the city limits of Omaha or Lincoln
- Cannot be a City of Omaha Employee per city charter
| Household Size | Lincoln Area Median Income | Omaha Area Median Income |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $39,500 | $40,050 |
| 2 | 45,150 | 45,800 |
| 3 | 50,800 | 51,500 |
| 4 | 56,400 | 57,200 |
| 5 | 60,950 | 61,800 |
| 6 | 65,450 | 66,400 |
| 7 | 69,950 | 70.950 |
| 8 | 74,450 | 75,550 |
|
* Income levels are annual **Numbers are based on U.S. HUD guidelines for each city |
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Objective Energy Evaluations
Since most energy upgrade work is unseen... behind walls, in attics and basements, and in crevices near windows and doors... it is not something that the average person has enough experience with to make informed decisions. It is important to us that reEnergize Program participants receive objective and neutral advice on the types of energy upgrades that will cost-effectively address their needs. That is why the Energy Evaluation is conducted by a separate business than the one performing the Energy Upgrade contracting work. The Energy Evaluator is an advocate and a support for you. They do not have a stake in what you ultimately choose, they just want to help you achieve your energy efficiency, comfort, health, and safety goals.
Technical Assistance
Every project is different... that has been our experience over the past year. Although there have been a number of projects completed relatively easily, there are always exceptions when something is not quite anticipated. The reEnergize Program offers our contractors technical support when they need to problem solve. We also know that participants might need a sounding board or some support in determining their next steps. The reEnergize Program has Navigators in both Omaha and Lincoln that are their to help Participants along at each step.
Local Design and Management
The reEnergize Program was designed and is managed by the local governments of the City of Omaha and Lincoln's local governmental sustainability offices. Federal tax incentives are nice, but they always address the challenges and constraints of the local market. By designing the program locally, we can make adjustments to meet the needs of consumers and the growing market. Plus, as local government officials, we have a stake in the success of the Program - from meeting the needs of our citizens to creating new job opportunities for workers.