MONTGOMERY – Gov. Kay Ivey has announced more than $6.3 million in Weatherization Assistance Program grants to help low-income Alabama residents reduce home energy costs, with more than $1.5 million benefiting counties across the WEIS News listening area.

The largest grant announced was $1,505,786 awarded to the Community Action Agency of Northeast Alabama Inc., which serves Blount, Cherokee, DeKalb, Etowah, Jackson, Jefferson, Marshall and St. Clair counties.

The Weatherization Assistance Program helps qualifying homeowners improve their home’s energy efficiency through measures such as adding insulation and sealing air leaks around doors and windows. Each home receives an energy audit to determine the most cost-effective improvements before work begins.

Gov. Ivey said the program helps families struggling with rising utility costs while creating safer and healthier homes.

“High energy costs can be a significant burden on people who are already struggling to make ends meet,” Ivey said. “This assistance allows Alabama families to sustainably lower energy bills while creating a safer and healthier living environment.”

The Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs (ADECA) administers the program using funds provided by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

Residents interested in applying should contact the Community Action Agency of Northeast Alabama to determine eligibility. Officials noted that funding announced this week may not be immediately available, as application periods are established locally by each participating agency.