WASHINGTON, D.C. -- Secretary of Energy Spencer Abraham announced today that the Department of Energy (DOE) is awarding New Jersey $5,166,645 to improve the energy efficiency of hundreds of low-income households this year. Over the last three years, New Jersey has received $11,627,076 in weatherization funds from DOE.
“This weatherization assistance grant will enable New Jersey to provide energy-saving home improvements to hundreds of low-income families this year,” Secretary Abraham said. “Weatherization is a priority of the President, as outlined in his National Energy Plan and in his 2003 budget proposal. Weatherization reduces an average home’s energy cost by $218 each year.”
By improving the energy efficiency of homes, DOE’s Weatherization Assistance Program reduces the burden of energy costs for low-income Americans, especially households with elderly residents, people with disabilities and children. New Jersey’s weatherization grants will be managed by the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs in Trenton.
The President’s National Energy Plan recommends that funding for the Weatherization Assistance Program be increased by $1.4 billion over 10 years. The congressional appropriation for the Weatherization Assistance Program of $230 million for this year represents a 50 percent increase over the 2001 funding level. This year, the Weatherization Assistance Program will reduce the energy bills of approximately 105,000 low-income families nationwide, provide jobs and improve the environment.
For every dollar spent, DOE’s Weatherization Assistance Program returns $1.80 in energy savings over the life of the weatherized home, based on recent energy prices. The program provides energy audits to identify the most cost-effective measures for each home, which typically include adding insulation, reducing air infiltration, servicing the heating and cooling systems, and providing health and safety diagnostic services. Since the program’s inception more than five million homes have been weatherized with federal funds, state and utility monies.
More information on DOE’s programs to improve the energy efficiency of buildings is available on DOE's Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy Network website at http://www.eere.energy.gov/buildings or by calling 1-800/DOE-3732.
Media Contact: Chris Kielich, 202/586-5806
