Gov. Bob Riley has awarded $884,478 to the Organized Community Action Program Inc. which serves Barbour County and several other area counties to help low-income residents cut their utility bills by making their homes more energy efficient.
The Alabama Weatherization Assistance Program gives priority consideration to the elderly, those with disabilities and to low-income residents with children. Houses that qualify are modified to improve both energy efficiency and safety.
“Each month many Alabama families with limited incomes are forced to spend more than they should for utilities because their homes aren’t properly sealed and insulated,” Riley said. “By making houses more energy efficient, this program saves energy, reduces pollution and leaves residents with more money for other essentials.”
To identify the most cost-effective measures for each home, an energy audit is performed.
Depending on the results, a home weatherization project may include extra insulation for the attic, walls and floor, sealing leaks in ductwork, repairs and tune-ups for heating, ventilating and air-conditioning systems, and replacement of incandescent lights with highly efficient compact fluorescent bulbs.
Families with gross income of 200 percent of the federal poverty level or less are eligible to apply. That means a family of four can have no more than $44,100 a year annually in gross income.
The qualifying cap for a family of two is an annual income of no more than $29,140. Alabama’s weatherization program is getting a boost this year from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act which is supplementing $4.16 million allocated to the state by the U.S. Department of Energy. The Energy division of the Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs administers the state program. The office expects additional stimulus funds to be allocated at a later date.
To carry out the weatherization program, Riley awarded grants to 15 community action or other sponsoring agencies across the state. These agencies administer the program at the local level and receive applications from individuals who wish to be considered for assistance.
For more information on the program call 334-566-1712.
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