DOE Releases Weatherization and Energy Efficiency Stimulus Funding
Well, that wasn't much time to get prepared.
The Department of Energy has released the first installment of funding for the Weatherization Assistance Program and the State Energy Program.
"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."
The Weatherization Assistance Program seems fairly straightforward. Through the program, "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."
The administration of the State Energy Program funding is a bit more murky. According to the DOE, 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."
In the coming weeks, Green Building Law Update will monitor stimulus funding at the state level. How do individuals apply for weatherization funding? What programs will be funded through the State Energy Program? I hope to answer these and many more questions.
Related Links
- DOE to Release First Wave of $8B in Weatherization, Energy Efficiency Funds from Stimulus (GreenerBuildings)
- Obama-Biden Administration Announces More Than $164.1 Million in Weatherization Funding and Energy Efficiency Grants for Virginia (DOE)
- Getting Green From the Stimulus (GBLU)
Dear: Mrs. Caroly Vogt and Mr. Mike Nesteroff,
I will try and keep this message as concise as possible, as I imagine your flooded with similar correspondence. My name is Jose M Gonzalez a Mechanical Engineer graduate from Florida International University and LEED AP. The reason for this message is twofold; First, I have several renewable energy technology applications that I believe could be easily used in Florida and throughout the US to help reach our energy goals, but most of the avenues that are available to me locally to test and develop the application (ie businesses, local/state government, and universities) seem to lack available funding. Secondly, I have been attempting to establish a small business, though ultimately a none profit organization, to help establish a renewable energy infrastructure with the state of Florida by installing 2-4kW Photovoltaic systems on the local properties(business, residential, and government). The primary challenge to this seems to be that many property owners cannot qualify for financing through local lenders or cannot see a potential for saving.
If either of you could help direct me to the correct person or persons, it would greatly assist expedite development and implementation. Should you have any questions please feel free to contact me at any of the contacts provided.
Thank You,
Jose M. Gonzalez, BSME, LEED AP
I'd like to know who to contact at the local or state level to apply for weatherization of housing.
I manage low-income apartments. How would this benefit my renters. How would they apply?
Hi! I'm interrested in the weatherization for blown instulation for my home under the stimulus , can you help me or direct me to the right people. Thank you.