Low-income weatherization: practical and policy limitations to increasing services in rural Oregon

Abstract

This essay examines the low-income weatherization program in rural Oregon, shedding light on difficulties in increasing weatherization services to low-income rural households. This essay also identifies policy limitations. There are strict rules in place for utilizing Department of Energy weatherization funding and some of these rules are likely to make it difficult for agencies serving rural areas to accommodate a larger portion of low-income households. These rules, coupled with the spatial distribution and economic circumstances of rural populations, compound both the need for and difficulties in delivery of weatherization services for low-income households in rural areas. This essay addresses these questions: Are rural regions under-served by the program? What are the difficulties in reaching and delivering services to more rural households? Is it the case that policy mandates make it more difficult to increase service delivery in rural areas? What role does the spatial distribution of the population and rural economy play in delivering services to households in rural areas?