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. 

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