Senator Hagan on ARRA Energy Grants For North Carolina Families

June 19, 2009 -- WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Senator Kay R. Hagan (D-NC) today announced a $52 million grant to reduce energy bills for low-income North Carolina families. This funding to make homes more energy efficient will be distributed by the U.S. Department of Energy as a part of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.

"This investment in North Carolina will create green jobs and lower energy bills for families across our state," Hagan said. "As many in our communities are struggling to make ends meet, this funding will help North Carolinians save money and strengthen our economy."

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This grant will fund weatherization for 23,500 North Carolina homes, replacing light bulbs with more energy efficient lighting, improving insulation, installing more efficient appliances and upgrading to smart thermostats. Savings as a result of these improvements include reducing heating bills by an average of 32 percent and shaving hundreds of dollars a year from overall energy bills.

A network of North Carolina local government agencies and non-profits will implement the grant. If the state is successful with its weatherization plan, it will be eligible for an additional $65 million in funding. Senator Hagan worked with her Senate colleagues earlier this year on crafting the Recovery Act to create and retain jobs and jumpstart the economy.

Source: Senator Kay R. Hagan