Weatherization Assistant: Ramp Up Support

1. Weatherization Assistant:Ramp Up Support Mark Ternes Mike Gettings Oak Ridge National Laboratory 2009 National Weatherization Training Conference July 21, 2009

2. Objectives • Improve communications regarding the Weatherization Assistant • Ensure that the training needs for the Weatherization Assistant are met over the next several years • Expand the Weatherization Assistant’s information management capabilities to assist states and local agencies • Reduce the time and complexity associated with developing priority lists using the Weatherization Assistant • Perform technical enhancements to the Weatherization Assistant needed to support ramp up activities

3. Communications • Weatherization Assistant newsletter • Updates • Training • Common errors • Programming tips • Input from states on training and information management needs • Emails • Phone calls • Conference call • How would you like to be kept informed?

4. Training • Established training will be continued • National, regional, and state training conferences • 3-day trainings on the basics of using the Weatherization Assistant and the NEAT and MHEA audits as requested by states • Web-based training • Individual training alternative to group training and/or prerequisite to group training • Basic course equivalent to 3-day group training • Work orders • Other advanced features in the Weatherization Assistant

5. Training (continued) • Centralized Group Training • Scheduled trainings at regionally dispersed cities (e.g., Atlanta, St. Louis, Denver) as alternative to state trainings • 3-day basic training, but possibly other subjects • Webinar Trainings • Short trainings of 1-3 hours on a specific subject • Examples: reports, data transfer, use of the survey feature, measure costs • Any specific training topics or approaches? • Is there a need for train-the-trainer?

6. Information Management • Facilitate centralized data storage at the state and for agencies not using a server to improve data analysis and reporting • Client-server design • Enhancement to current software • Optional transfer of information over the internet • Web application • New user interface • Must be connected to the internet • Easier to ensure that all agencies in a state using the same version • Easier to assist in setting up the Setup Library and ensuring consistency in the Setup Libraries

7. Information Management (continued) • Weatherization Assistant enhancements • Additional reports • New form to easily identify measures installed, actual costs, and funding sources used • Basic information needed for program evaluation • Expanded technical assistance • Customized reports • To states interested in integrating the Weatherization Assistant into their state information management system • What information management needs would you like to see addressed in the near future?

8. Priority Lists • Write a manual on how to develop priority lists using the Weatherization Assistant • Idea of automating the Weatherization Assistant to help develop priority lists was tabled • Would a priority list manual be useful to you?

9. Technical Enhancements • Continue making enhancements to NEAT and MHEA requested by users • Incorporate new technologies into NEAT and MHEA • Develop a multifamily audit • Any other technical enhancements needed to support your ramp up activities? • Would a simplified user interface be useful?

10. So.... • Are there any other ways ORNL can assist you to meet your needs concerning the Weatherization Assistant during the ramp up period? • If not already discussed, what time frames/schedules are we talking about?