Oklahoma § 63-2902 - Disbursement and implementation of Fund - Publicizing

§ 63-2902. Disbursement and implementation of Fund - Publicizing

program - Eligibility standards - Priority of applications Issuance of grants - Form of applications - Contractors;

eligibility, payments, monitoring and audit of financial and

operating records.

A. The Oklahoma Department of Commerce shall be responsible for

the disbursement and implementation of the Energy Conservation

Assistance Fund.

B. The Department shall involve senior citizen groups, social

service agencies and other civic groups in publicizing such program.

C. The Department of Human Services, in cooperation with the

Oklahoma Department of Commerce, shall determine eligibility

requirements necessary to qualify a homeowner to obtain such grants.

Upon meeting any such eligibility standards, the Department of Human

Services shall certify to the Oklahoma Department of Commerce that

such homeowner is qualified to receive such grant upon notification

of such certification. The Oklahoma Department of Commerce shall

distribute the grant funds. Priorities shall be established for

applications according to those indicating the greatest need. Lowincome elderly and handicapped applicants shall be given first

priority.

D. In order to qualify for grant assistance, the property shall

meet all of the following requirements:

1. The property shall be the homestead of the applicant; and

2. The property for which the grant is issued shall not be

income-producing or used in any method other than as the principal

residence of the applicant.

Oklahoma Statutes - Title 63. Public Health and Safety

E. Grants may be issued to finance the following types of

weatherization:

1. Structural repairs necessary to improve efficient heating

and cooling of the residence;

2. Insulation for attics, walls and water heaters;

3. Replacement of broken glass, inefficient doors and door

thresholds;

4. Storm windows;

5. Caulking and weather stripping; and

6. Other appropriate energy conservation measures as determined

by the Oklahoma Department of Commerce.

No grants shall be made through this program unless an energy

audit has been performed on the applicant's principal residence.

No grant shall exceed Three Thousand Dollars ($3,000.00). No

grant shall be awarded to any applicant with an annual income in

excess of the amount specified in this subsection.

Income eligibility shall be determined based on one hundred

twenty-five percent (125%) of the poverty guidelines issued by the

United States Office of Management and Budget.

F. The application for the grant shall be in such form as

determined by the Oklahoma Department of Commerce. No grant shall

be issued to any person until such person has been certified as

eligible by the Department of Human Services. The applicant shall

be provided with copies of all documents related to the issuance of

the grant. The applicant shall provide documents, as required,

concerning the status of property and household income.

G. 1. The Oklahoma Department of Commerce contractors shall be

nonprofit community action agencies or other nonprofit entities

experienced with weatherization programs. The Oklahoma Department

of Commerce shall monitor contractors for compliance with all

Department policies, guidelines and regulations.

2. Contractors shall be responsible for completion and

inspection of all work undertaken. No payment shall be made to any

contractor until after the required documentation is submitted and

approved by the Oklahoma Department of Commerce. Payments to

contractors shall be made for services rendered and shall be based

on the costs previously agreed to in writing.

H. The Oklahoma Department of Commerce shall actively monitor

and audit the financial and operating records of the contractors

involved with the Energy Conservation Assistance Fund to assure

appropriate compliance with established regulations, guidelines and

standards. The Oklahoma Department of Commerce shall also monitor

contractors to ensure use of proper materials and workmanship.

Added by Laws 1982, c. 324, § 2. Amended by Laws 1986, c. 207, §

60, operative July 1, 1986; Laws 1989, c. 112, § 2, operative July

1, 1989.

Oklahoma Statutes - Title 63. Public Health and Safety