Gov. Kay Ivey has awarded more than $6.3 million statewide to help low-income Alabama residents reduce their home energy bills through the Weatherization Assistance Program, including $510,759 to Community Service Programs of West Alabama Inc., which serves Hale County along with Bibb, Fayette, Greene, Lamar, Pickens, Sumter, and Tuscaloosa counties.
The grants to community action agencies and local partners will be used to improve the energy efficiency and safety of homes, with a particular focus on households that include the elderly, people with disabilities, and families with children.
“High energy costs can be a significant burden on people who are already struggling to make ends meet,” Ivey said. “This assistance allows Alabama families to sustainably lower energy bills while creating a safer and healthier living environment.”
An energy audit is conducted of each home that qualifies for weatherization assistance to determine the most cost-efficient measures, which can include installing extra insulation and sealing air leaks around doors and windows.
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.
“The Weatherization Assistance Program benefits some of the most vulnerable residents in communities throughout the state,” ADECA Director Kenneth Boswell said. “ADECA is pleased to join Gov. Ivey in support of these grants, which will help families reduce the cost of heating and cooling their homes.”
People interested in the program should contact Community Service Programs of West Alabama Inc. to determine if they qualify and to submit an application.
The funding allocation announced may not be immediately available for application at the local level, since application periods are set locally. The agency can be reached at www.cspwal.com or (205) 469-0397.
