$70,760 awarded for weatherization
Published 6:00 am Wednesday, June 27, 2018
Gov. Kay Ivey has awarded grants totaling $964,862 to assist low-income and elderly Alabama residents with weatherizing their homes to lower energy costs.
The grants support Alabama’s Weatherization Assistance Program which provides funds to improve the energy efficiency and safety of qualifying homes. Priority is given to people with disabilities, the elderly and low-income households with children.
“Many elderly and disabled residents are living on very limited incomes and often struggle to pay higher utility bills,” Ivey said. “These grants will help permanently lower the energy bills for many residents by making upgrades to keep their houses cool during these hot summer months.”
An energy audit is conducted of each home that qualifies for weatherization assistance to determine the most cost-efficient measures.
Common improvements include installing extra insulation in the attic, walls and floor; sealing air leaks around doors and windows; repairs or tune-ups for air conditioning and heating units; and replacing incandescent light bulbs with high-efficiency bulbs.
In addition to lowering energy bills, the improvements can reduce the risk of fire and other hazards.
Ivey awarded the grants to 14 community agencies across the state that manage the program at the local level and receive applications from individuals who wish to be considered for assistance.
This funding comes in addition to $924,255 in grants awarded by Ivey in April for the Weatherization Assistance Program.
The Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs is administering the grants from funds made available by the U.S. Department of Energy.
“I join Gov. Ivey in her commitment to helping those who truly need it most throughout the state through the Weatherization Assistance Program,” ADECA Director Kenneth Boswell said. “ADECA’s partnerships with Alabama’s community agencies, ensure that many elderly, disabled and underserved residents receive help in preparing their homes for these warmer months now and for years to come.”
Below is a list of each grant, the recipient agency, counties served and the agency telephone number:
$70,760 to Community Action Agency of South Alabama (Baldwin, Clarke, Conecuh, Escambia, Marengo, Monroe and Wilcox) 251-626-2646