MONTGOMERY – Low-income residents in North Alabama will be able to cope with extreme hot and cold weather thanks to grants to help lower their energy costs.
Gov. Kay Ivey announced just over $1.3 million in grants will go to area agencies that help the elderly, people with disabilities and local-income families with children.
The grants support the Weatherization Assistance Program, which helps residents lower their bills by making their homes more energy efficient. Some $3 million funds have been awarded to 13 local agencies throughout the state that will accept applications for assistance from people in their regions.
The Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs is administering the grants from funds made available by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
“Energy costs can be overwhelming for low-income Alabama residents, especially during times of extreme heat or cold,” Ivey said. “Recipients of this assistance will be able to upgrade their homes in ways that will lower their bills both now and in the future.”
An energy audit is conducted of each home that qualifies for weatherization assistance to determine the most cost-efficient measures.
Common improvements include installing extra insulation in the attic, walls and floor; sealing air leaks around doors and windows; repairs or tune-ups for air conditioning and heating units; and replacing incandescent light bulbs with high-efficiency bulbs. In addition to lowering energy bills, the improvements can reduce the risk of fire and other hazards.
“ADECA joins Gov. Ivey in support of this assistance for Alabama’s most vulnerable populations,” Director Kenneth Boswell said. “The partnerships we have with community-based agencies makes it possible to deliver this help to those who need it most.”
Below is a list of the community agencies that are receiving funding. Please note that the funding allocations announced today may not be immediately available for application at the local level. The application periods are established locally by each community agency.
- Community Action Agency of Northwest Alabama (Colbert, Franklin, Lauderdale) — $110,551. 256-383-3832
- Community Action Partnership of Huntsville/Madison and Limestone Counties (Madison, Limestone) – $211,007. 256-851-9800
- Community Action Agency of Northeast Alabama (Blount, Cherokee, DeKalb, Jackson, Jefferson, Marshall, St. Clair, Etowah) — $695,483. 256-638-4430
- Community Action Partnership of North Alabama (Cullman, Lawrence, Morgan, Marion, Walker, Winston) — $212,925. 256-355-7843
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