THE WHITE HOUSE
Office of the Vice President
For Immediate Release: March 12, 2009
Administration Announces Nearly $8 Billion
in Weatherization Funding and Energy Efficiency Grants
Will support energy efficiency efforts nationwide
that will create 87,000 jobs and cut energy bills for families
To jump-start job creation and weatherization work, the Department of Energy is releasing the first installment of the funding – about $780 million -- in the next few days. The Department will release additional funding over time as states demonstrate that they are using the funding effectively and responsibly to create jobs and cut energy use.
"This energy efficiency funding for states is an important investment in making America more energy independent, creating a cleaner economy and creating more jobs for the 21st century that can’t be outsourced," said Vice President Biden.
The funding will support weatherization of homes, including adding more insulation, sealing leaks and modernizing heating and air conditioning equipment, which will pay for itself many times over.
"Even as we seize the enormous potential of clean energy sources like wind and solar, the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act makes a major investment in energy efficiency, which is the most cost effective route to energy independence," Chu said.
The Weatherization Assistance Program will allow an average investment of up to $6,500 per home in energy efficiency upgrades and will be available for families making up to 200% of the federal poverty level – or about $44,000 a year for a family of four. [$55,140 for Alaska and $50,720 for Hawaii]
The State Energy Program funding will be available for rebates to consumers for home energy audits or other energy saving improvements; development of renewable energy projects for clean electricity generation and alternative fuels; promotion of Energy Star products; efficiency upgrades for state and local government buildings; and other innovative state efforts to help save families money on their energy bills.
The DOE’s Weatherization Assistance Program allows low-income families to reduce their energy bills by making their homes more energy efficient, reducing heating bills by an average of 32% and overall energy bills by hundreds of dollars per year.
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For more information visit www.recovery.gov.
The State of Indiana's share of these weatherization funds is expected to be $100 million. The State Energy Office is expected to receive about $69 million. For 2009, since the federal poverty level in Indiana is $22,050 for a family of four then 200% of poverty would be approximately $44,000 for a family of four.
For more information visit Indiana's website on the recovery funds at http://www.in.gov/gov/INvest.htm
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