What with the steam of never ending rate increases, low income San Diegans can use all the help they can get with their energy bills.  One of those resources, MAAC’s weatherization project, has been suspended until further notice.

The Metropolitan Area Advisory Committee (MAAC) provides several energy assistance resources to low income San Diegans.  Their weatherization project provides home services such as caulking, window repair, and insulation to reduce overall energy costs.

However, MAAC suffered a whistle blower complaint this summer and received a very unfavorable state audit that will restrict funds for the program until the necessary changes are made.  One of the inspector’s letters harshly stated that MAAC’s financial and business operations need a complete and immediate overhaul.

In particular to the weatherization project, this Union Tribune article reveals out of the 1,000 annual energy upgrades that MAAC provided, 16 of those households were considered a conflict of interest.  The 16 in question were considered a conflict of interest because they were comprised of current employees, former employees, and family members of employees.  MAAC is responsible for reimbursing the State Department for the funds used for these individuals.

Whatever the reasons may be, we are always anxious to see financial assistance available to SDG&E customers.  A quick call to MAAC’s hotline reveals that they are out of LIHEAP funds until March 15^th of this year.