SEA is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit corporation founded in 1978 under the name Southeast Energy Technical Group (SETG).  On September 8, 1999, the Board of Directors voted to change the name to Southeast Energy Assistance to more accurately reflect the mission and activities of the organization.  Governed by a volunteer board of directors, SEA is managed by a full-time Executive Director.  SEA was chartered to help low-income persons with escalating energy costs during the 1970s oil crisis.

Since 1982, SEA has been a service provider for the federally-funded Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP).  SEA personnel provide home repairs designed to save energy and reduce or eliminate environmental hazards.

In addition to basic weatherization services, SEA also provides ongoing, in-home energy counseling to residents of homes weatherized.  From providing reading materials to advising on energy conserving lifestyle changes, to helping recipients monitor energy consumption, SEA's energy counselors are a valuable community resource.

SEA has helped more than 36,000 people through the weatherization program, the Care & Conserve Program and the Integrated Resources Program (IRP). The IRP was terminated by the Georgia Public Service Commission in 1996. Most of those served are elderly, minority, or handicapped.

Clients and Communities Served

SEA works directly with organizations that sanction and help fund its activities, including the City of Atlanta, Fulton County and the Georgia Environmental Facilities Authority (GEFA).  Ultimately, the real clients are low-income residents themselves.  SEA's services are available at no cost to low-income families whose income is near or below the poverty level.  Those who receive Temporary Aid to Needy Families (TANF) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) are eligible automatically.

SEA's primary service areas for these programs include the City of Atlanta and Fulton County.