West Virginia Lawmakers on Home Weatherization

June 18, 2009 -- Washington, D.C. – Senators Jay Rockefeller and Robert C. Byrd, together with Congressman Nick J. Rahall, today announced that the Department of Energy is awarding $15,033,550 through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) for the weatherization of more than 3,500 homes in West Virginia.

“Help with weatherization is so important for families across West Virginia,” said Rockefeller, a longtime supporter of home weatherization. “These improvements make homes more energy efficient, reduce utility costs, and create jobs along the way – new green jobs that we’ll need for the future. This is an unbeatable combination that strengthens homes, helps families save money, protects our environment, and bolsters our economy.”

“Weatherization is a necessary process – one that is vital to our State becoming more environmentally conscious and more energy efficient,” Byrd said. “Weatherization not only lowers utility costs and creates jobs, but it also protects our environment, something we especially value in Wild and Wonderful West Virginia!”

“Everyone is struggling with rising energy costs, and West Virginians are no exception,” said Rahall. “The weatherization program supported by these Recovery Act funds means over 3,500 families in our communities can start saving on their electricity bills through simple home improvements to help lower energy consumption.”

Background

With this new funding, the West Virginia Weatherization Assistance Program will work with Community Action Agencies across the state to target low-income communities that have benefited from weatherization programs in the past, while also reaching previously underserved communities. After demonstrating successful implementation of its plan, the state will receive additional funding for weatherization – for a total of approximately $37 million for the entire program.

West Virginia’s weatherization process utilizes locally employed and trained weatherization crews to install in low-income homes energy efficiency and conservation measures prescribed by energy audits and diagnostic testing. Weatherization examples include installing insulation, reducing air-infiltration, performing heating and cooling tune-ups and modifications, and when appropriate, replacing heating units for energy efficiency and safety. Client education is provided on use and maintenance of the weatherization measures.

For information on how to apply, visit: www.wvf.state.wv.us/oeo/weatherization.htm

Source: Senator Robert C. Byrd