DOE to Invest $8 in Weatherization and Energy Efficiency Efforts for Energy Saving Strategies

The stimulus funds will be divided between the Weatherization Assistance Program, which will receive nearly $5 billion, and the State Energy Program, which will receive up to $3 billion for energy savings.

This will help families save hundreds of dollars every year on their energy bills, while creating approximately 87,000 jobs. To jump-start the job creation and weatherization work, DOE is releasing $780 million  and will release more as the states demonstrate that they are using the energy saving funding effectively.

The State Energy Program funding will be used to provide rebates to consumers for home energy audits or other energy-saving improvements to save energy;

• develop renewable energy and alternative fuel projects;
• promote Energy Star products;
• upgrade the energy efficiency of state and local government buildings;
• other innovative state efforts to help families save money on their energy bills.

The weatherization funding will improve the energy efficiency of the homes of low-income families by adding more insulation, sealing leaks, or modernizing heating and air conditioning equipment, at a cost of up to $6,500 per home. This will provide economic assistance with energy saving housing.

The energy efficiency upgrades will be available for families making up to 200% of the federal poverty level. For a family of four, this translates to about $44,000 per year in the lower 48 states, $55,140 per year in Alaska, and $50,720 per year in Hawaii.