September 30, 2011 

People's Equal Action and Community Effort, Inc. −Weatherization Assistance Program Funds Provided by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009

The attached report presents the results of an examination of the People's Equal Action and Community Effort, Inc. (PEACE), Weatherization Assistance Program (Weatherization
Program) under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (Recovery Act). The Office of Inspector General (OIG) contracted with an independent certified public accounting firm, Otis and Associates, PC (Otis), to express an opinion on the agency's compliance with Federal and State laws, regulations and program guidelines applicable to the Weatherization Program.

The Recovery Act was enacted to stimulate the economy and encourage investment in the Nation's energy future. As part of the Recovery Act, the Weatherization Program received $5 billion to reduce energy consumption for low-income households through energy efficient upgrades. The State of New York received $394 million in Weatherization Program Recovery Act grant funding, of which $13.6 million was allocated to PEACE. The State of New York's Division of Housing and Community Renewal (DHCR) was responsible for administering Weatherization Program grants, including funds provided to PEACE.