Columbus, OH – April 18, 2008 – Lieutenant Governor Lee Fisher today announced that the Ohio Department of Development has received $13.6 million in new funds from the U.S. Department of Energy for the Home Weatherization Assistance Program, bringing the State’s total 2008 allocation to $36.5 million. These funds are earmarked to assist low-income homeowners and renters in reducing their energy usage.
“Weatherization is a valuable way to help save money and energy. We are pleased that Ohio’s efforts are being recognized at the national level with such a significant grant to our State,” said Lt. Governor Fisher, who also serves as Director of the Ohio Department of Development. “These funds will allow Ohio to assist an additional 6,694 households across Ohio.”
The Ohio Department of Development’s Office of Community Services administers the Home Weatherization Assistance Program through a statewide network of local community action agencies, non-profit organizations, and units of government across the State. More than 304,000 homes have been weatherized in Ohio since this program began in 1977. The most recent independent evaluation of Ohio’s program shows that after weatherization, households that heat with natural gas reduce space heating consumption by an average of 24.7 percent, and electrically heated homes reduce usage by an average of 13 percent.
Home Weatherization Assistance Program services include: insulation of hot water heaters, heating ducts, attics, sidewalls, and floors; reduction of air leakage from major sources; safety inspection and tune-up of heating systems; and in some cases, heating unit replacement. Because home heating maintenance and energy-efficient actions can increase savings, client education is also an integral part of the service.
For more information on the Home Weatherization Assistance Program, including the 2003 program evaluation, visit www.development.ohio.gov/cdd/oee/res_hwap.htm. Individuals wishing to apply for assistance should contact their local community action agency or complete the combined energy assistance programs application online.
