Department of Energy Funds Efficiency Program for Low-Income Families

U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) recently announced $111.6 million in weatherization grants to 30 states and the Navajo Nation to make energy efficiency improvements in homes of low-income families. Weatherization can reduce an average home's energy costs by $358 annually. Total Fiscal Year 2007 funding is $204.5 million and will provide weatherization to approximately 70,000 homes.

"Weatherization is a valuable way to help save money and energy," DOE Assistant Secretary for Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy Alexander Karsner said. "This year, the Department of Energy's weatherization program will help nearly 70,000 families make their homes more energy efficient."

For every dollar spent, weatherization returns $1.53 in energy savings over the life of the measures. DOE's weatherization program performs energy audits to identify the most cost-effective measures for each home, which typically includes adding insulation, reducing air infiltration, servicing heating and cooling systems, and providing health and safety diagnostic services. Other benefits include increased housing affordability and property values, lower owner and renter turnover and reduced fire risks. In 2006, DOE helped weatherize approximately 96,500 homes.

On average, Americans spend five percent of their income on paying energy bills, but for lower-income households the costs average 16 percent. These costs can include anything from heating and cooling their homes to running the lights, computers and other appliances.

DOE's weatherization program grants are distributed by state energy offices through more than 900 local agencies. Every state, the District of Columbia, the Navajo Nation and the Inter-Tribal Council of Arizona will receive weatherization grants this year.

For more information, see the Department of Energy press release.