SEN. COLLINS ANNOUNCES NEARLY $70M IN WEATHERIZATION FUNDING
Weatherization reduces home heating bills by an average of 32%
Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Susan Collins announced that the State of Maine will be receiving a total of $69,240,015 in federal funding for weatherization and energy efficiency. The funding is being distributed to Maine through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA). Senator Collins worked with a bipartisan group of senators to craft the legislation that became law last month.
Of the total, $41,935,015 will be for weatherization while $27,305,000 will be designated for the State Energy Program.
“One of the most effective and immediate ways we can help people stretch their energy dollars is through weatherization,” said Senator Collins. “It is estimated that low-income Mainers spend at least 14 percent of their income heating their homes. Experts estimate that every dollar spent insulating walls and attics, sealing drafty doors and windows, and repairing and replacing outdated or faulty heating equipment generates about $2.72 in savings over the life of a home. During this time of economic crisis, it is good to see that this weatherization funding will help create savings for the citizens who need it the most.”
According to the Department of Energy, on average, weatherization reduces home heating bills by an average of $358 per year.
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It's a good thing! How do we get in on teaching others weatherization?
ReplyDeleteMy husband has completed the weatherization training & is awaiting certification. We have been wondering where this money will be spent and where the jobs will be. Public sector? Private sector? It seems many of the trained people are solopreneurs, but there is a significant investment (and learning curve) to get up & running as an independent contractor (to the tune of $10-$20k). Will any of this money go toward grants or funding for weatherization contractors? Will the funding be channeled through Maine Home Performance/Efficiency Maine, or Maine State Housing?
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