§ 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.  Low-income 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.

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.