DOE to award over $40M for energy efficiency improvements

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) awarded over $40 million to 21 organizations and five state agencies for energy efficiency improvements.

The funding comes from the $3.2 billion Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP), which was created to help repair, electrify, and weatherize homes.

“Weatherization is a great way to save hundreds of dollars on energy bills, but unfortunately, aging electrical systems and structural complications keep homes in disrepair locked out of this money-saving benefit,” U.S. Secretary of Energy Jennifer Granholm said. “Today’s funding from DOE doubles down on the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law’s $3.5 billion investment in weatherization assistance by getting homes weatherization ready, helping thousands of Americans save money on their utility bills, and developing the next generation of a clean energy workforce.”

Specifically, the awards provide $36.5 million to 21 organizations through DOE’s Enhancement and Innovation (E&I) Program. The E&I program awardees will focus on preparing homes in historically disadvantaged communities for weatherization and electrification. Additionally, some E&I selectees will focus on workforce development initiatives and activities.

Further, $5.1 million was awarded to five state weatherization agencies through the Sustainable Energy Resources for Consumers (SERC) Program. The SERC awardees will incorporate technologies, such as solar photovoltaic panels, geothermal heat pumps, cool roofs, or exterior wall panels, into energy retrofits.

The Weatherization Assistance Program serves every county in every state, the District of Columbia, and the five U.S. territories. Since the program began in 1976, it has helped more than seven million low-income residences weatherize their homes and reduced energy bills by an average of $372 annually.