Representative Lois Capps recently toured the home of local resident Mary Nichols to see firsthand the results of American Recovery & Reinvestment Act (ARRA) dollars at work in the community. 

The Energy Program of the Community Action Partnership of San Luis Obispo County, Inc. (CAPSLO) was able to provide Nichols with a number of energy-saving repairs that will help her to stay safely in her home. 

Two of the mandates of the ARRA funds are to preserve and create jobs and promote economic recovery, and to assist those most impacted by the recession.

The CAPSLO Energy Program services include free installation of insulation, door weatherstripping, caulking, glass replacement, door replacement, window unit replacement, compact fluorescent bulbs and light fixtures, refrigerators, occupancy sensors, Carbon Monoxide detectors and other water and energy saving devices to lower-income households in San Luis Obispo, Monterey and Northern Santa Barbara Counties. 

For homeowners, the program also covers replacement of hazardous or non-operative gas appliances including furnaces, water heaters and cooking appliances.  The goal is to help save energy, reduce monthly utility bills and to resolve potential safety hazards with gas appliances – leaving our clients with a safer, more energy efficient home.

CAPSLO also partners with the California Conservation Corps by offering corps members an opportunity to increase their training in employable skills while working in our Energy Program. 

Corps members work alongside our Energy staff and learn the basics of Home Weatherization; Home Repair Services; Carbon Monoxide Testing; Furnace Repair & Replacement; Water Heater Replacement; Accessibility Improvements; and Energy & Water Saving Measures.