State has toasty energy plan
Idaho is one of 12 states being recognized by the U.S. Department of Energy for its aggressive administration of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. Funds are aimed at reducing energy consumption and creating jobs in the weatherization industry.
Idaho has one of the top performing weatherization programs in the country.
The program put $30 million in stimulus funds to improve the energy efficiency of homes of low-income Idahoans while generating hundreds of jobs in the state.
By March next year Idaho expects to have improved 3,100 homes with stimulus funding in addition to the 1,400 homes the weatherization program annually makes more energy efficient.
“Conservation and efficiency are the lowest-hanging fruit in our energy orchard. Every home or other building that’s made more energy efficient through weatherization frees up that much energy to be used by businesses looking to create career opportunities for Idahoans. It frees up generation and transmission capacity to help our economy grow,” Governor C.L. “Butch” Otter said.
“This recognition is a reflection of the strong network we have in Idaho to help low income families live in safer, healthier, more energy efficient homes,” says Idaho Department of Health and Welfare Director Dick Armstrong. “We were able to use that network to help us quickly and efficiently move forward to take advantage of the available funding and create jobs for people in the construction industry.”
Idaho’s progress means that thousands more Idahoans will be able to enjoy more energy efficient homes and lower heating bills this winter.
DHW worked closely with five Idaho’s weatherization providers including Community Action Partnership Agencies and the Canyon County Organization on Aging, to ensure Idaho was ready to begin spending the stimulus funds when they became available in 2009.
“We took this opportunity for additional funding very seriously,” says Mary Chant, executive director of the Community Action Partnership Association of Idaho. “We were prepared to do what was needed to make the best possible improvements to people’s homes as quickly as we could. This is one program that truly has a measurable difference.”
On average, weatherization reduces heating bills by 32 percent and overall energy bills by about $350 per year.
There is a waiting list for assistance from the program. To qualify, households must be at or below 200 percent of poverty and meet home audit requirements for the installation of weatherization measures.
People who think they might meet these requirements can apply for the program by contacting their local community action agency. To find a local office, visit www.idahocommunityaction.org.