Alabama Governor Robert Bentley has awarded more than $1.6 million to the state’s low-income residents to make their homes more energy efficient in an effort to help reduce their utility bills.
The “Alabama Weatherization Assistance Program” gives priority consideration to the elderly, to those with disabilities and to low-income residents with children.
Homes that qualify for assistance are modified to improve both energy efficiency and safety.
To identify the most cost-effective measures for each home, an energy audit is performed – and – depending upon the results, a home weatherization project may include adding extra insulation to the attic, walls and floors; sealing leaks in ductwork; repairing and tuning the heating, ventilation and a/c systems; and replacing incandescent lights with new highly efficient compact fluorescent bulbs.
The funding has been provided to the state by the U.S. Department of Energy with the Alabama Department of Economic & Community Affairs then distributing that money to sixteen regional agencies that provide management for the program.
The Community Action Agency of Northeast Alabama has received more than $133,000 in grant money as part of the Weatherization Program. That agency services Cherokee, DeKalb, Blount, Jackson, Marshall and St. Clair counties.
Anyone wishing to apply for the program should call (256) 638-4430 for more information.
(Ft Payne Times-Journal/www.times-journal.com)