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U.S. Rep. Paul Tonko (NY-21) held a news conference Monday to get the word out that local agencies have received funds from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act for the Department of Energy’s Weatherization Assistance Program, and are looking for qualified homeowners to apply. Rep. Tonko was joined by Karen Gordon, Executive Director of the Commission on Economic Opportunity for the Greater Capital Region, and Kathy Cloutier of the Albany Community Action Partnership. The news conference was held at 8 Garden Court in Troy, which has undergone weatherization improvements performed by the Commission on Economic Opportunity through their weatherization program.

The Department of Energy recently announced that it was releasing 40% of the weatherization money authorized under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act to several states, including New York. The state will receive the remainder of the money when it meets reporting, oversight and accountability milestones required by the Recovery Act.

“Our local organizations now have the money and programs in place to ramp up their weatherization activities,” said Rep. Tonko. “We need to get the word out to low and moderate income homeowners that money is available to weatherize and improve the energy efficiency of their homes. The stimulus funds are there to provide for home improvements that will dramatically improve energy efficiency, save homeowners money, and provide work for contractors during a slow time in the economy. We encourage homeowners to contact their local agencies to see if they qualify for the program.”

Karen Gordon, Executive Director for the Commission on Economic Opportunity, Said: “At CEO, we have found that many people don't realize they are eligible to participate in this program. For example, here in Rensselaer County, a family of four can earn up to $45,000 annually and still be eligible, and this includes both homeowners and those who are renting. The energy saving measures and home repairs that we are able to provide through the program can add up to real savings for the average home.”

Kathy Cloutier, Executive Director of the Albany Community Action Partnership said: “ACAP is excited to play a role in getting these stimulus dollars flowing.  This  additional weatherization funding  provides  a once in a lifetime opportunity that will allow low-income families to save money by making their homes more energy efficient and reducing overall energy bills by hundreds of dollars per year.  We especially urge all landlords to consider this opportunity as a low-cost means of improving the integrity of their buildings as well as a great way to improve the living conditions of their tenants.

The Weatherization Assistance Program is available to families making up to 200-percent of the federal poverty level, which equates to about $45,000 per year for a family of four. Weatherization projects allow homeowners to save money by making their homes more energy efficient which can results in hundreds of dollars in savings per year on energy bills. The Department of Energy estimates that the average homeowner will save 32-percent annually on heating bills, and save hundreds of dollars more on overall energy costs. Local agencies who administer the program say they will spend an average of $6,500 to weatherize each home.

Rep. Tonko added, “Energy efficiency should be our fuel of choice. The amount of savings that can be generated if we can improve the efficiency of our homes and business will save money but will also stretch existing fuel supplies while renewable resources are developed and expanded. It’s a way we can all contribute to improving our energy outcome and our environment.”

The residence at 8 Garden Court in Troy has undergone numerous weatherization improvements, including weather-stripping and sealing of doors and windows to prevent cold air leakage and heat loss, and the pending installation of a new high efficiency forced air furnace.

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