Free Home Upgrades
GRU's Low-income Energy Efficiency Programplus assists low-income customers with home improvements that can lower their electric bill, improve comfort and reduce energy use. Eligible participants will work with GRU to determine the improvements that best suit their home, which may include:
- Replacing or servicing central air conditioning and heating systems
- Replacing room air conditioners with high-efficiency units
- Repairing and sealing duct systems
- Installing additional insulation
- Replacing the water heater
- Installing a programmable thermostat
- Weather stripping and caulking of doors and windows
- Providing up to 10 LEDs
Interested in becoming a LEEP contractor? Grow your business with us!
Program Offer
Rebates will be given directly to the GRU LEEPplus Partnering Contractor(s) rather than the customer.
Eligibility (for home owners)
- Applicant must be a GRU residential Electrical customer with at least one year of service at current location.
- Applicant must own and occupy the home being improved (renters are no longer eligible to apply)
- Homes must be 10 years old or older to qualify.
- Single family homes, manufactured homes, or individually deeded townhomes and condominiums are eligible.
- Homes and customers may only receive assistance from this program once.
- Customers must show proof that he or she meets current HUD Low-Income Guidelines: (at or below 80% of median family income)
| Number of People Living in the Home |
Household Income Limit |
| 1 |
$53,400 |
| 2 |
$61,000 |
| 3 |
$68,650 |
| 4 |
$76,250 |
| 5 |
$82,350 |
| 6 |
$88,450 |
| 7 |
$94,550 |
| 8 |
$100,650 |
- This is not a "no-income" program. Applicants with $0 total household income are ineligible.
- Applicant(s) with special needs must provide proof or documentation that they or a family member living in the household has special needs (a disability or chronic illness) in addition to meeting all other program requirements.
- Applicant(s) with special needs must show proof that their income does not exceed 10% above current HUD Low-income Guidelines as listed above.
- Customer must use a GRU LEEPplus Partnering Contractor(s)
- Customer must participate in an in-home training, which includes an energy-efficiency walk-through survey.
- Efficiency measures may be deferred if structural components need to be addressed first.
- Location of repairs must be safe, clean and well-maintained by homeowners at all times.
- Customer will be held responsible for reimbursing GRU the full cost of repairs if:
- GRU will schedule a visit to customer's home to inspect repairs and confirm installation of LEDs. If customer does not allow the inspection to be conducted within 30 days of work completion, customer will be responsible for total cost of repairs.
- After the final inspection, GRU has no further obligations. Any issues regarding the improvements must be addressed with the contractor.
- GRU will randomly inspect 10% of LEEPplus homes to ensure upgrades have been maintained and energy and water education are being applied.
- All improvements are subject to approval by GRU and contingent upon fund availability.
Note: A customer may meet the eligibility requirements for this program but still not qualify if the home does not need certain improvements. This will be determined when GRU performs the pre-repair home inspection.
How to Apply
Step 2: Obtain a Home Survey and Certificate of Recommendation
- If you are eligible, a GRU representative will contact you to schedule an in-home training and a pre-repair home inspection.
- GRU will complete a pre-repair home inspection and provide you with:
Step 3: Submit Estimates to GRU
- Contact GRU LEEPplus Partnering Contractors to schedule an appointment for the contractor to visit your home.
- You must receive itemized estimates for all recommended work listed on Certificate of Recommendation.
- Submit copies of estimates to GRU no later than 21 days after receiving Certificate of Recommendation.
Step 4: Have Work Done
- If approved, GRU will send you voucher(s) that will be valid for the selected contractor(s).
- You will then schedule repairs with contractor(s).
- Work must be completed within 30 days of issuance of voucher(s).
Step 5: Complete the Project
- After contractor(s) completes repairs to your satisfaction, you will sign the voucher(s) and give it to the contractor. Be sure to get all necessary warranties from the contractor.
- Contractor(s) will submit voucher(s) to GRU for payment.
- GRU will schedule a visit to your home to inspect repairs and confirm installation of LEDs. If you do not allow the inspection to be conducted within 30 days of work completion, you will be responsible for the total cost of repairs.
- GRU will pay contractor(s) upon completion of the post-inspection.
Note: The in-home training will be conducted by a GRU representative throughout the process. GRU reserves the right to inspect all work.
Questions?
For additional information, please call our Energy & Business Services Department at 352-393-1460.