In 1976, in response to the national energy crisis, the U.S. Department of Energy initiated the Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP). The goal of this program is to assist low-income households, particularly the elderly and disabled, to reduce their energy consumption. This lessens the impact of utility costs on limited household budgets and helps stimulate self-sufficiency. Since 1976 the state of Utah has implemented this program uninterrupted with minimal need for state funding support. Weatherization coordinates efforts with many other public and private programs to improve the lives of low-income Utah residents. The Utah Housing and Community Development Division administers the Weatherization Assistance Program statewide through eight government and non-profit agencies. Benefits are provided in the form of a non-cash grant to eligible households for making energy efficient improvements to their homes. Participating households are averaging nearly 33 percent in savings (or approximately $285 per year) after the completion of the weatherization work.