DOE Awards $92.5 Million to 19 States for Home Weatherization

July 18, 2005

DOE announced on July 18th its award of $92.5 million to 19 states to improve energy efficiency in the homes of low-income families. DOE's Weatherization Assistance Program cuts these families' energy bills by making home improvements such as plugging air leaks, improving insulation, and tuning air conditioning and heating systems. Through the program, approximately 92,300 homes will be upgraded this year. See the DOE press release.

Low-income families spend an average of 14 percent of their income on energy, and weatherization can reduce an average home's energy costs by $237 a year. The Weatherization Assistance Program gives priority to low-income households whose family members include the elderly, people with disabilities, and children. Weatherization grants will go to every state this year, as well as the District of Columbia, the Navajo Nation, and the Inter-Tribal Council of Arizona. The states, tribes, and 970 local agencies administer the program. For every dollar spent, DOE estimates that weatherization returns $1.40 in energy savings to American families. See the Weatherization Assistance Program Web site.