DOE Awards $92.5 Million to 19 States to Weatherize Homes of Low-Income Families

DOE Awards $92.5 Million to 19 States to Weatherize Homes of Low-Income Families

U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Secretary of Energy Samuel W. Bodman recently announced that $92.5 million has been awarded to 19 states to improve the energy efficiency of low-income family homes. The DOE's Weatherization Assistance Program makes improvements such as plugging air leaks, improving insulation and tuning air conditioning and heating systems, which reduces energy waste and lowers energy bills. Through DOE’s weatherization program, approximately 92,300 homes will be upgraded this year.

"The Department of Energy’s Weatherization Assistance Program helps thousands of low-income families by installing energy efficiency measures in their homes," Bodman said. "High energy costs can really pinch low-income families. Through this program, we are helping Americans identify simple ways to reduce home energy use and save money on their energy bills."

DOE’s Weatherization Assistance Program gives priority to low-income households with elderly members, people with disabilities and children. Low-income families spend an average of 14 percent of their income on energy. It is estimated that weatherization can reduce an average home’s energy costs by $237 a year.

The program is administered by states, tribes and 970 local agencies. Every state, the District of Columbia, the Navajo Nation and the Inter-Tribal Council of Arizona will receive weatherization grants this year. The awards announced are for the 19 states that began their weatherization program year on July 1.

The weatherization assistance program performs energy audits to identify the most cost-effective energy upgrades for each home. These typically include adding insulation, reducing air infiltration, servicing heating and cooling systems and providing health and safety diagnostic services. For every dollar spent, it is estimated that weatherization returns $1.40 in energy savings to American families. Other weatherization benefits include increased housing affordability, increased property values and reduced fire risks.

DOE funds provide weatherization training and technical assistance, supplementing weatherization investments from the Department of Health and Human Services’ Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program, utility public benefit funds and other state and local sources.

Published 08/05/2005