Kansas Warm Homes Project

A Home Conservation Program for the State of Kansas

KANSAS WARM HOMES PROJECT: Under the leadership of Governor Kathleen Sebelius, community assistance organizations and volunteers are joining together to distribute conservation kits to low income, the disabled, and those on fixed incomes (such as retirees) – known to be extremely vulnerable in the approaching winter season.

Target qualifications for participation for eligibility for a kit are households that fall under 150% of the Federal Poverty guidelines.

Winterization of homes involves simple tools and materials to cover windows and doors with plastic sheeting, weather stripping for doors, rope caulking, and switch plate insulators that will help to stop drafts and improve the comfort level in older and substandard homes. The custom designed Kansas Conservation Kit also include compact fluorescent bulbs.

A conservation kit can be installed by most homeowners themselves. The Kansas National Guard Armories will be serving as regional drop-off points for delivery of the conservation kits. They will be distributing kits to community assistance organizations.

Kansas Warm Homes Project will provide a real service in a timely manner – and be a visual activity that can help those less fortunate. Coupled with revolving loan program for residences, it could make a difference in many Kansans lives.

FUNDING: The State of Kansas, through the Kansas Energy Office (at the Kansas Corporation Commission) and the Kansas Housing Resources Corporation (at the Kansas Development Finance Authority) is providing the funds necessary to purchase the home energy conservation kits.

The project is providing 6,112 conservation kits to be distributed statewide.

IMPLEMENTATION: Citizen and organizational volunteers will be asked to devote time to assist their communities – targeting the most vulnerable and needy residences. This will help lessen the potential impact of the combination of high energy costs and cold weather may bring to many Kansas citizens.

This energy assistance program cannot be construed to guarantee any substantial savings in energy consumption, but will improve the comfort level, thereby lessening an anticipated severe impact of fuel prices. With current high costs of fuels, especially natural gas, propane and fuel oil/distillates, winter household bills will likely be higher even with conservation measures and comfort features (addressing drafty residences) implemented.

ADMINISTRATION: Leslie Uhl, of the Kansas Energy Office will coordinate efforts of the distribution of kits to civic groups. It is estimated the program would operate about three to four months, from time of inception to delivery and distribution of the conservation kits statewide (target would be late October through January).

CONTACT: Leslie Uhl, Coordinator of Kansas Warm Homes Project at the Kansas Energy Office; phone: 785-271-3170; e-mail: